Sketchbook Drawing Charles Samuel Keene (1823-1891)

The drawing presents a study of a substantial building viewed from across what appears to be a body of water or a wide expanse of land. The architectural subject dominates the composition; it is rendered with a rapid, gestural line that prioritizes capturing form over precise detail. Here we see a complex structure characterized by multiple gables, dormer windows, and an abundance of chimneys, suggesting a large, possibly historical residence.
The artist’s approach to depicting the building reveals a focus on its overall massing and spatial relationships rather than meticulous architectural rendering. Lines are often sketchy and overlapping, creating a sense of immediacy and capturing the play of light and shadow in a fleeting manner. The use of hatching is minimal, further emphasizing the sketch-like quality of the work.
Below the main structure, a suggestion of vegetation or foliage is indicated with loose, swirling lines, providing a textural contrast to the more rigid geometry above. A small, indistinct figure stands near this area, seemingly observing the building – its presence introduces a human element and hints at scale.
The drawing’s subtexts revolve around observation and documentation. It seems less concerned with aesthetic beauty than with recording visual information quickly and efficiently. The sketch suggests a process of study or preliminary planning; it could be an initial exploration for a larger work, or simply a record of a memorable scene. The lack of shading and the rough execution imply that this is not intended as a finished piece but rather as a working document – a moment captured in time through rapid visual assessment. The drawing’s value lies in its ability to convey a sense of place and architectural character with remarkable economy of means.