Gezicht op Zwolle 1717 - 1748

This drawing of Zwolle was made in 1674 by Abraham de Haen the Younger, using pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. The artist has rendered the scene using a series of delicate and precise lines, capturing the architectural details of the city with remarkable accuracy. The choice of pen and ink as a medium is important here. It is a relatively humble material, readily available and easily transportable, making it ideal for artists working on the move, who needed to record landscapes and cityscapes quickly and efficiently. The application of a grey wash adds depth and tonality to the image. The act of drawing itself, particularly in this detailed and representational style, speaks to a tradition of craftsmanship and observation, placing value on the skills and labor involved in creating the image. In that sense, the drawing is not just a record of a place, but also of a specific way of seeing and working. It bridges the gap between documentation and artistic expression.