View of Diemen
1655
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a busy riverside scene with lots of tiny figures. Buildings line the water’s edge, and ships are docked or sailing. The artist used quick, sketchy lines—no smooth shapes or bright colors, just brown ink and wash. Notice how the artist packed in so much detail without finishing every part. The lines overlap in places, giving a sense of depth and movement. If you like this style, look up cross-hatching next.