Gezicht op de overhaal bij de Montelbaanstoren te Amsterdam c. 1897

This is Willem Witsen's sketch of the Montelbaanstoren in Amsterdam, created with black chalk. Witsen was a member of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture fleeting moments and atmospheric conditions in everyday life. At the end of the 19th century Amsterdam was undergoing significant changes due to industrialization and urbanization. Witsen, who came from a wealthy family, often depicted scenes of the city, focusing on its canals, bridges, and working-class neighborhoods. However, this sketch offers us more than just a physical place; it is an experiential encounter where the sketchy lines evoke a sense of the city's dynamism. In this very personal work, Witsen is less concerned with topographical accuracy and more interested in conveying a subjective experience of place. The sketch invites us to consider the complex relationship between identity, place, and memory, and to reflect on our own experiences of navigating the ever-changing urban landscape.