Stadsgezicht op Kleve met boom op de voorgrond 1851 - 1924

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this landscape view of Kleve using graphite on paper. Now, graphite might seem like a humble material, but consider its potential! It allows the artist to capture a range of tones, from the deep shadows of the tree in the foreground, to the lighter, hazy atmosphere of the town itself. Notice how the artist uses varying pressure to create texture and depth. The strokes are quick and confident, suggesting the scene was captured in a single sitting. Although it is just a sketch, the artist suggests the weight and density of the buildings, and the organic sprawl of the tree branches. The marks evoke not just a visual likeness, but also a felt experience of being in this place, at this time. It is a reminder that even the simplest materials, used skillfully, can convey complex ideas and emotions. It’s a beautiful testament to how closely observation and making can be linked.