Studie c. 1869

This drawing was made by Jozef Israëls, whose works often explored themes of nature. Here, we see a faint landscape dominated by a horizon. The horizon is more than just a line; it is a symbolic threshold. Throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian art to Romantic landscapes, the horizon represents the boundary between the known and the unknown, the earthly and the spiritual. Its persistent presence evokes a primal human fascination with the beyond. Consider how the horizon is depicted in Caspar David Friedrich's paintings. Friedrich captured the sublime terror and awe inspired by nature, reflecting a deep, subconscious yearning for transcendence. In Israëls' work, though less overtly dramatic, the horizon still engages with this tradition, tapping into our collective memory of nature as both a source of solace and a reminder of our mortality. This simple line then becomes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It resurfaces and evolves, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.