België 1923

Adam Frequin made this sepia drawing, België, sometime in the early 20th century. The eye is immediately drawn to the building’s symmetrical facade, framed by the solid, geometric forms on either side. The muted palette emphasizes a sense of timelessness and solidity, while the variations in tone give depth to the architectural shapes. Frequin's composition reflects a formalist approach, reducing the building to its essential geometric components. The interplay of horizontal and vertical lines creates a balanced yet static composition. The design seems to embody structuralist principles, where the underlying structure conveys meaning and order. Semiotically, the building’s layout communicates ideas of civic stability and authority through its carefully arranged components. The artwork challenges fixed meanings by inviting a reinterpretation of space, perception, and representation through its interplay of form and architectural intent. The subtle gradations of tone and the interplay of light and shadow reinforce the drawing’s enduring resonance.