Hoofdstraat te Meppel, gezien naar het zuiden Possibly 1732 - 1737

Abraham de Haen II sketched the Hoofdstraat in Meppel using pen and brown ink, with a brown wash. He captured the material essence of 18th-century Dutch architecture, focusing on the facades and structures defining the street. De Haen's choice of ink and wash is critical; it lends a textural depth, accentuating the weight and form of the buildings. Each stroke reflects a precise understanding of the built environment and its inherent social context. The detailed rendering of the buildings, showcases the skilled traditions of architectural drawing, a practice deeply interwoven with the history of both craft and fine arts. But beyond aesthetics, this work invites us to consider labour and class, highlighting the social and cultural significance of the Hoofdstraat, as well as the artist's perspective in framing his composition. De Haen's sketch emphasizes the importance of materials, making, and context, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.