Studie c. 1895 - 1896

This faint drawing of what appears to be an urban street scene by Chris Huidekooper presents us with a visual puzzle, a shadow of a bustling past. Despite its ethereal quality, we can discern architectural elements that are indicative of the urban landscape of the early 20th century. These shapes, perhaps buildings or structures, remind me of similar motifs found in ancient city maps—simplified forms representing complex urban spaces. Consider the ziggurats of Mesopotamia or the walled cities of ancient Egypt. These also used basic geometric forms to depict urban organization and civilization. Huidekooper's drawing seems to tap into this collective memory, subconsciously evoking the enduring human impulse to create, organize, and leave a mark on the land. Even in its simplicity, this drawing embodies the symbolic essence of urban life, hinting at the layers of history and human experience accumulated over time.