Gezicht op de Rijn 1648 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop created this view of the Rhine using brown ink on paper sometime in the mid-17th century. Look closely and you'll see the marks of the reed pen, dragged and dabbed to create the foliage, and the thin lines used to suggest the figures by the water. The choice of materials is interesting, because drawings like this were often done as preparatory sketches for larger paintings or prints. Yet de Bisschop seems to have valued the inherent qualities of ink and paper. The thinness of the ink wash allows the fibers of the paper to show through, creating a sense of light and atmosphere. It's also worth noting the social context of this work. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a major center of trade and commerce, and the Rhine was a vital waterway for transporting goods. By depicting this scene, de Bisschop wasn't just creating a pretty picture, but also documenting the economic lifeblood of his country. So next time you look at a drawing, remember that the materials and processes used to create it are just as important as the subject matter itself.