Doorsnede van een gebouw in de breedte c. 1864

Editor: So, this is "Doorsnede van een gebouw in de breedte", which translates to "Cross-section of a building in width," made around 1864 by Willem Springer Jr. It's a pencil drawing showcasing the internal structure of what looks like an apartment building. There’s something fascinating about seeing the skeleton of a building like this. It feels very technical but also a little haunting, like a glimpse into lives stacked on top of each other. What do you make of it? Curator: Haunting's a good word! It reminds me of those dollhouses you see, where everything's exposed. You’re peering into each little world at once, but no one's home. Willem Springer Jr. clearly had an eye for detail. This drawing is so precise, you can almost feel the weight of the architecture. What strikes me is how much emphasis is placed on light. Look at how meticulously the windows and openings are rendered. Editor: It's all about the light, I see that. Was Springer aiming to capture a moment, a feeling, or just creating a record of the architecture itself? Curator: I think he was flirting with both! On the one hand, this is a functional document. Someone, somewhere, probably used this for construction. But on the other hand, that rosy tint that emphasizes some elements introduces a subjective touch. He’s telling us what *he* found beautiful, where the support lies and where the building breathes. What's the story of each level and how they communicate through their physical placement. It shows us a kind of dialogue across spaces. Editor: I didn’t notice the light as much initially, but now I see it gives the drawing so much depth, so that the drawing breathes. Thank you for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure! That's the fun of it, right? Each glance unveils a new chapter to the building's biography.