Toren van een moskee in een straat en zittende figuren c. 1936

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this sketch, "Toren van een moskee in een straat en zittende figuren," using graphite. The composition is divided horizontally, presenting two distinct scenes which each occupy one half of the page. The lower portion of the artwork captures the architectural lines of a mosque tower integrated within a street scene. Note the contrast between light and shadow created through the varying pressure of the graphite, which gives depth to the otherwise sparse rendering of the buildings. Above, a group of seated figures is sketched with an even more economical use of line. The artist captures the essence of human form with minimal strokes, suggesting posture and interaction. This reflects a modernist sensibility, reducing forms to their most basic elements. Through his controlled use of line and composition, Vreedenburgh encourages us to consider how the essence of place and human presence can be evoked with such formal economy. The sketchbook quality further emphasizes the provisional and exploratory nature of artistic practice.