Klippefyldt landskab med en bæk. I forgrunden en ung mand med en rørfløjte og en ung kvinde. 1770

Salomon Gessner made this landscape drawing with pen, brush and wash, in the 18th century. Look closely, and you’ll see that he has used a limited palette of black and grey tones to create a scene of idyllic beauty. The artist skillfully manipulates the wash technique. By applying thin layers of diluted ink or pigment with a brush, Gessner builds up depth, volume, and atmospheric effects, to provide a full range of subtle tonal gradations. The figures in the foreground have a degree of solidity, while the waterfall and architecture in the background are more softly rendered. It’s a scene that invites reflection, and escape from the everyday. This drawing is a clear demonstration of the expressive potential in what might seem to be humble materials. The artist elevates the medium beyond mere utility. It reminds us that even the simplest means can be used to convey complex ideas and aesthetics.