Schetsboek met 39 bladen 1834 - 1903

This is a sketchbook with 39 pages by Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch, now in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Although undated, it provides insight into the artistic practices of 19th-century Dutch artists. Sketchbooks such as this one served as portable studios, enabling artists to capture fleeting impressions of the world around them. Weissenbruch, known for his landscapes, likely used this book to record observations of light, atmosphere, and the Dutch countryside. In a period when the art world was dominated by formal academic styles, the accessibility of sketchbooks allowed artists to challenge these conventions. The use of sketchbooks represented a shift toward a more direct, personal engagement with nature. By examining the sketches within, along with Weissenbruch's biography and the cultural context of the Netherlands during his lifetime, we can gain a deeper understanding of his artistic vision. Such resources allow us to appreciate the role of sketchbooks in shaping modern artistic expression.