View of Slot Starrenburg in Overschie c. 1646 - 1647

Roelant Roghman created this drawing, View of Slot Starrenburg in Overschie, with pen in brown and gray ink, and brush in gray, while in the Netherlands during the 17th century. Note how Roghman uses line and wash to define the architectural structure of Slot Starrenburg. The tower's detailed rendering contrasts with the softer, more diffuse treatment of the surrounding foliage and sky, achieved through layered washes. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, drawing our eye to the geometric clarity of the building against the organic forms of nature. The composition, balanced yet asymmetrical, places the tower slightly off-center, inviting the viewer to explore the broader landscape. Roghman seems to be engaging here with the cultural codes of his time, specifically those related to the Dutch landscape and its representation. Through a meticulous structure and attention to texture, Roghman destabilizes any singular interpretation, instead creating an invitation for ongoing engagement and renewed meaning.