Het Binnenhof (The Inner Court) - 17-08-16

Website link: https://corneakkers.com/de-hofvijver-the-courts-pond-17-08-16/
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Hofvijver Side

This graphite pencil drawing ‘De Hofvijver – 17-08-16’ shows a view on Het Binnenhof (The Inner Court) from the Hofvijver side. So it offers a view on the outside of our dutch parliament in The Hague really. Last drawing was ‘Schiedam – 11-08-16 (Sold)’ and I picked up the fun of doing urban sketches again. That one, even though rendered in a cubist style, in fact also was a bit of realism as well. This one also turned out to become exactly that.

Peace Capital of the World

You see, the first time I made a drawing of this scenery was straight from the front. Nothing but a sketch really done on very the spot. For some time now I had it in me to do a serious drawing of this iconic place. A piece that would do justice to the importance of our country and of course democracy. After all, it’s the legal capital of the world and on the outer edges of Europe democracy is threathened. I could take the Russian invasion of the Crimea and Trump’s rise in the poles as example. As artist and international lawyer I cannot stand that. Hence, this tribute to our national safeguard of freedom. At least we can vote in peace and we hope for the best in years to come.

True Chiaroscuro

When I visit the Mauritshuis I often come across this place at the Korte Vijverberg where this particular view is offered. The St. Jacobs Church is on the background to the right. For this drawing I thought it would be great to create some depth. Consequently the church is drawn rather vaguely whereas the side view of the parliament is rather detailed. Especially the blocks of dark shades caught my attention. They created a great rhythym of the play of light and dark. Therefor it has become a true chiaroscuro drawing.

Graphite pencil (Pentel 0.5 mm, 3B) on Canson Bristol paper (21 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm - A4 format)
Artist: Corné Akkers