Group of tall trees 

Franz Kobell created this drawing, "Group of Tall Trees," now at the Städel Museum, using lines to construct a landscape dominated by trees. The composition invites the eye to explore the delicate balance between the dense, detailed foliage and the open spaces of the sky and ground. Look closely at the intricate network of lines that define the trees; Kobell masterfully uses line weight to suggest depth and texture. This technique not only brings a sense of realism but also emphasizes the structure of the trees themselves, revealing an almost architectural quality in their natural forms. The formal arrangement suggests an engagement with Enlightenment ideals, mirroring the era's interest in categorizing and understanding the natural world through observation and reason. Kobell’s trees are not merely representations but seem to embody a deeper contemplation of nature’s order and the artist’s role in interpreting it.