Landschap met bomen c. 1803 - 1818

Arnoldus Johannes Eymer created this pencil drawing, titled 'Landschap met bomen', sometime in the 19th century. At the time, Dutch art was reckoning with its national identity in the wake of French occupation. Artists like Eymer turned to the landscape, a symbol of the nation's enduring spirit. Here, we see a meticulously rendered scene of trees against a soft horizon. Note the figures in the mid-ground; they seem to be enjoying a leisurely stroll, perhaps members of the burgeoning middle class, finding solace and leisure in nature as industrialization began reshaping Dutch society. While the scene is tranquil, it hints at the complex relationship between nature, identity, and social change. Eymer’s choice to depict this everyday scene suggests a quiet celebration of Dutch life. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for a rural past amid societal shifts. The drawing becomes a personal reflection on belonging and cultural identity.