Heuvelachtig terrein in de omstreken van Windsor 1636 - 1687

Jacob Esselens created this drawing, ‘Hilly Terrain Near Windsor,’ with pen in brown, and brush in brown and gray. The drawing presents a serene, undulating landscape where the play of light and shadow defines the forms. Esselens masterfully uses line and wash to model the rolling hills and dense foliage, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The composition is carefully structured, with a foreground slope leading the eye towards the middle ground where figures are placed, and further into the receding planes of the landscape. This structured use of space engages with the broader artistic interests of the period, reflecting a desire to create ordered, harmonious scenes that also evoke a sense of naturalism. Esselens's skill in capturing the subtle gradations of tone and texture invites us to contemplate the relationship between human presence and the natural world, suggesting a balanced, thoughtful engagement with the environment. The drawing’s formal qualities thus serve not only aesthetic purposes but also communicate deeper cultural values about nature and perception.