Kasteel Kervendonck 1743

This drawing of Kasteel Kervendonck was made by Jan de Beijer sometime in the 1700s, using pen, black ink, and grey wash on paper. It’s not just a record of a place, but an artifact of skilled hand work. De Beijer employed traditional art materials, but his approach emphasizes the textures and forms of the architecture with great precision. He captured every brick, tile, and reflection in the water, revealing the labor that went into the castle’s construction and maintenance. Look at the patterns of the brickwork and the careful hatching that defines the surfaces. The artist is inviting us to appreciate the built environment, and perhaps to consider the social hierarchy that made such structures possible. The drawing is a testament to the physical effort required to make something, whether a humble drawing or an imposing castle. It blurs the lines between fine art and craft, reminding us that both involve skill, intention, and a deep engagement with materials.