Romeinse gebouwen en subconstructie 1626 - 1677

Jan Asselijn rendered this drawing, "Roman Buildings and Substructure," in the mid-17th century using pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. Asselijn employed traditional drawing techniques, but with a focus on architecture that speaks to construction and labor. The materials - simple ink and paper - contrast with the heavy stone and timber depicted. You can see the weight and texture of the buildings through Asselijn’s rendering, which emphasizes the skill and effort required to erect these structures. The drawing captures not just the appearance of the Roman buildings, but also the underlying effort and craftsmanship. It bridges the gap between the artistry of drawing and the labor-intensive work of construction. It reminds us that behind every grand edifice lies the physical exertion and technical expertise of countless workers. Ultimately, this piece challenges us to see the artistic merit in everyday labor.