Abklatsch van een krijttekening 1829 - 1894

This chalk drawing was made by Gerrit Postma in the 19th century and is titled "Abklatsch van een krijttekening", meaning tracing of a chalk drawing. While seemingly sparse, the lines evoke a sense of structure and order. The grid of lines suggests a deeper, underlying framework. In various times and cultures, grids symbolize organization, rationality, and the imposition of order onto chaos. Think, for instance, of city planning throughout history, and the psychological reassurance that comes with it. We might even see echoes of the ancient Roman grid-like city plans, or the modern urban landscapes that impose control over natural spaces. Here, though, the fragility of the lines, the chalk, and the sketch-like quality reveal an attempt at order that is ultimately transient. It’s as if Postma is showing us that the desire for control and structure is inherent to the human psyche, yet perpetually challenged by time.