Aangemeerde boten bij een overslagplaats aan een kade 1890 - 1946

This drawing was made by Cornelis Vreedenburgh, using graphite pencil on paper. Here we see the boats docked at a wharfside warehouse. The artist's choice of graphite brings out the utilitarian character of the setting. Graphite pencil, as a medium, allows the artist to capture the scene with speed and efficiency. The sketch showcases the quayside. The paper's surface receives the marks of the pencil, each stroke contributing to the overall composition. The very qualities of the materials—paper and pencil—allow Vreedenburgh to investigate the setting and create a record of dockside activity, reflective of the labor and industry associated with maritime commerce. It reminds us that even a humble sketch can be rich in social context, inviting us to consider the cultural significance of work, trade, and the everyday landscapes that define our shared world.