Landscape with Gnarled Trees and Fisherman Possibly 1620

Jacques de Gheyn III made this ink drawing, Landscape with Gnarled Trees and Fisherman, sometime in the early 17th century. De Gheyn’s choice of ink and paper was itself a deliberate one. These were relatively accessible materials, available to a growing market of artists and art enthusiasts. The drawing is built from tiny, controlled marks. Look closely, and you’ll see how the layering of these lines creates depth and texture, transforming the flat surface of the paper into a seemingly vast landscape. This wasn't just about technical skill; it reflected a changing attitude toward nature. Instead of merely serving as a backdrop for human activity, nature itself became a subject worthy of close observation. Consider the labor involved in creating this intricate drawing, each stroke a testament to de Gheyn’s patience and precision. The rise of drawings like these also speaks to a shift in artistic patronage, with artists increasingly catering to a middle class eager to possess affordable, yet skillfully crafted, works of art. In paying attention to materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for this seemingly simple drawing.