Abdijplein of Middelburg 1600 - 1662

This red chalk drawing by Dutch artist Adriaen van de Venne (1589-1662) depicts the Abdijplein, or Abbey Square, of Middelburg, a city in the Netherlands. Created between 1600 and 1662, the drawing captures the bustling life of the square, filled with figures going about their day. The architecture of the buildings, including the prominent tower, is rendered with precise detail, while the figures are sketched with a more lively, expressive style, giving us a sense of the energy and movement of the scene. The drawing offers a glimpse into the daily life of a Dutch town in the early modern period, highlighting the importance of public spaces and social interaction.