Schuur 1891 - 1898

Here we see Willem Cornelis Rip's sketch of a barn, articulated with graphite on paper. The composition, dominated by the barn's triangular roof and shadowed interior, draws our eye into the heart of the structure. Rip employs hatching and subtle gradations of tone to define form and texture. The exterior is rendered with sparse lines, the texture of the wood barely visible, which contrasts with the dense interior. The linear perspective flattens the space, pushing the background and emphasizing the two-dimensional nature of the drawing. The structural integrity of the barn, a symbol of rural life, is explored through the very act of sketching. The barn stands as a testament to the artist’s formal skill and his keen observation of the world around him. It invites us to consider how even the simplest of subjects can be imbued with depth and meaning through the artist's hand.