Gezicht op de entree van Zandhoek 12 met een vloedpaal - A. Goedkoop

A precise graphite study documenting the entrance of Zandhoek 12 in Amsterdam, featuring a historic flood post.

This graphite drawing by A. Goedkoop documents the entrance of Zandhoek 12, a location in Amsterdam known for its historic architecture. The artist focuses on the structural details of the building facade, specifically the entrance steps and the adjacent flood post (vloedpaal). These posts were once common in low-lying areas of the city, serving as markers to indicate water levels during high tides or flooding events.

The drawing employs a clean, linear approach, prioritising clarity over atmospheric effects. Goedkoop captures the geometric precision of the door panels, the brickwork texture, and the simple railing that guides visitors up the steps. The perspective is straightforward, presenting the architecture in a manner consistent with topographical documentation or architectural study. By isolating this specific entrance, the work provides a record of urban infrastructure that has largely disappeared from the modern city.

As a piece of historical documentation, the drawing functions as a visual archive. It avoids unnecessary embellishment, allowing the viewer to observe the functional design of Dutch canal-side housing. The inclusion of the flood post adds a layer of social and environmental history, reminding the viewer of the constant negotiation between the city and the water. The work is executed with a steady hand, using light shading to define the depth of the doorway and the mass of the steps. This print is suitable for those interested in urban history, architectural drafting, or the specific character of Amsterdam's historic districts.