Gezicht op de fontein op de tweede binnenplaats van het Oude Doolhof aan de Prinsengracht - Hilmar Johannes Backer

A detailed ink and wash drawing by Hilmar Johannes Backer depicting the fountain in the second courtyard of the Oude Doolhof in Amsterdam.

This drawing by Hilmar Johannes Backer captures the second courtyard of the Oude Doolhof, a popular attraction located on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. The composition focuses on the central fountain, a decorative feature surrounded by a balustrade. Backer employs a precise, linear technique, using ink and wash to define the architectural elements of the surrounding buildings and the sculptural details of the fountain itself. The scene includes small figures of visitors, providing a sense of scale to the courtyard.

The Oude Doolhof, or Old Labyrinth, was a well-known site in the nineteenth century, famous for its maze and various curiosities. Backer documents the site with a clear, observational approach, typical of topographical artists of the period. The wash application creates soft shadows, giving volume to the fountain and the building facades. The inclusion of peacocks in the foreground adds a touch of the exotic, consistent with the leisure-oriented nature of the location. This work provides a record of a vanished Amsterdam landmark, documenting the specific layout and aesthetic character of the courtyard. The artist maintains a balanced perspective, allowing the viewer to appreciate both the structural design of the fountain and the wider environment of the courtyard. The work is executed with a focus on clarity and documentation, reflecting the interest in recording urban spaces during the nineteenth century.