Dicke Otto Beverwijcksplein Sun Otto Dicke

The drawing presents a view of a public square dominated by several large trees. The composition is structured around these trees, which form a dense network of branches that occupy much of the upper portion of the frame. Their bareness suggests a winter or early spring setting. A substantial building occupies the background; its architecture appears formal and imposing, with multiple windows and a symmetrical facade.
The artist employed a technique emphasizing line work to create texture and depth. The trees are rendered through intricate cross-hatching, conveying their complexity and volume. Similarly, the building’s details – window frames, cornices, and brickwork – are delineated with precise lines. A sense of atmospheric perspective is achieved through varying the density of the hatching; areas further away appear lighter and less detailed.
A small group of figures are positioned in the foreground near a low fence. Their presence introduces a human element to the scene, though they remain relatively indistinct, appearing as silhouettes against the backdrop of the square. A carriage or vehicle is visible on the right side of the composition, adding another layer of detail and suggesting activity within the space.
The overall mood conveyed by the drawing is one of quiet contemplation and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The starkness of the trees, combined with the muted tones, evokes a feeling of stillness and solitude. The formal architecture in the background hints at established order and tradition, while the small figures suggest the passage of time and the continuity of human experience within this setting. There is an understated elegance to the scene; it’s not overtly dramatic but rather invites a prolonged observation and reflection on the interplay between nature, architecture, and humanity.