Gezicht op een pad langs bomen c. 1901 - 1927

Johan Antonie de Jonge rendered this sketch of a path lined with trees using charcoal. As a material, charcoal is directly linked to the natural world, quite literally created through a process of burning wood. Observe how de Jonge uses smudging and hatching to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the loose and expressive strokes capture the texture of the foliage and the play of light. The choice of this readily available material speaks to a tradition of plein air drawing, reflecting the artist's immediate engagement with the landscape. It is interesting to note the ease of the drawing, but this belies the labor involved in charcoal production. By attending to the processes and material of the making, we can deepen our appreciation of this seemingly simple sketch, allowing us to see the natural world through the artist's perspective.