Landschap met bomen c. 1811

Andreas Schelfhout made this pencil drawing called 'Landscape with Trees'. Schelfhout was working during a period of romantic nationalism in the Netherlands, a time when there was this deep-seated yearning for a unique Dutch identity, separate from French influence. There’s a stillness in this drawing, a kind of quiet contemplation that feels incredibly personal. In the 19th century, landscapes were more than just pretty scenes; they were tied to ideas about national identity, history, and a kind of spiritual connection to the land. What I find fascinating here is the way Schelfhout uses a seemingly simple scene to evoke these bigger ideas. You see a path winding through the trees, inviting you into the landscape, almost like a metaphor for life's journey. It reflects a world where nature was seen as a mirror to the soul.