Afgeknotte boom op een open plek in een bos 1645 - 1646

Pieter Moninckx made this forest scene with graphite on paper sometime in the 17th century. Notice how the artist used graphite, a relatively soft material, to capture the textural details of the forest, from the rough bark of the trees to the delicate leaves. The choice of graphite allowed Moninckx to create a range of tones, using the side of the lead for broad shading and the pointed tip for fine lines. The drawing's surface also plays a role. The slight tooth of the paper grabs the graphite, adding to the overall texture. While seemingly straightforward, the process reveals a skilled hand at work. Moninckx uses the inherent qualities of the materials – the softness of graphite and the receptivity of paper – to create a scene that is both realistic and evocative. This careful attention to materials and process elevates the drawing beyond a mere sketch, highlighting the interplay between the artist's intention and the natural world.