Duinlandschap 1881 - 1927

Johan Antonie de Jonge made this drawing, Duinlandschap, with pencils. Just imagine him, working en plein air, rapidly trying to capture the essence of the landscape. The sweeping marks create a sense of depth and distance, almost like a dreamscape. I can relate to that urge to record a fleeting moment, to pin it down with marks on a surface. It's like the earth is breathing out onto the page through the artist's hand. It's so quiet and unassuming, yet it hums with a quiet energy. In this work, I think De Jonge invites us to slow down and observe the subtle beauty of the natural world and reminds us that it's ok to find profound inspiration in the quiet corners of our surroundings. The drawing also makes me think of the work of other landscape artists, how they are all in conversation with each other.