Stadsgezicht, vermoedelijk te Amsterdam 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh likely made this sketch of an Amsterdam cityscape with graphite on paper. It’s a rapidly-rendered scene, using the simple tools of paper and pencil. The artist has explored the tonal range achievable with graphite, from soft grey smudges to sharply defined lines. Look at how he’s used the side of the pencil lead to create areas of shading, in contrast to the linear precision of the architectural details. The very immediacy of the medium lends a sense of authenticity. This kind of work would have been made in situ, recording observations as quickly as possible. Graphite sticks, mass produced and readily available, became a staple for artists seeking to capture the world around them. It's an everyday scene, captured with modest materials. This challenges any hierarchy that might place oil painting above drawing, or finished artworks above preliminary studies.