Hart van R'dam (Sketch of Sculpture) - Willem Westbroek

A minimalist graphite sketch by Willem Westbroek, capturing the conceptual form of a sculptural monument.

This graphite sketch by Dutch artist Willem Westbroek captures the initial conceptualisation of a sculptural form. The work, titled Hart van R'dam, presents a simplified, vertical structure resting upon a circular base. The drawing demonstrates the artist's focus on geometric reduction, where the human or architectural form is distilled into basic shapes, including a triangular roof-like top, a circular central element, and elongated vertical supports.

The sketch is executed on a light green paper stock, which provides a neutral background for the graphite lines. Westbroek employs a direct, unadorned approach to mark-making, prioritising the structural logic of the object over decorative detail. The inscription in the lower right corner, Hart van R'dam, suggests a connection to the city of Rotterdam, perhaps indicating a proposal for a public monument or a symbolic representation of the city's identity during the post-war period.

As a preparatory study, this piece offers insight into the artist's process. It reveals the transition from abstract idea to physical form, showing how Westbroek balanced geometric precision with a sense of verticality. The composition is sparse, allowing the viewer to focus on the proportions and the relationship between the base and the upper elements. This print is a reproduction of the original sketch, preserving the texture of the paper and the faint, spontaneous quality of the graphite strokes. It is suitable for those interested in the history of Dutch sculpture and the development of public art in the twentieth century.