Paard en rijen huizen met klok- en trapgevels 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh created this sketch of a horse, houses, and stepped gables in pencil. This work offers insight into the social conditions that shape artistic production, inviting us to consider the artist's perspective. Vreedenburgh, born in the Netherlands in 1880, may have created this sketch while wandering the streets. The urban scene is immediately recognizable. The stepped gable house was a common architectural style in the Netherlands. The inclusion of a horse suggests a society still reliant on animal power, a quickly fading relic of the past. This sketch, while simple in execution, hints at the socio-economic realities of the early 20th century. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between urban development, technological progress, and the changing roles of both humans and animals in society. Understanding art requires delving into these contexts. We research historical records, architectural trends, and social histories. Only then can we appreciate the depth of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple sketch.