Berglandschap met een rivier 1766 - 1815

This landscape with a river was made by Jacob van Strij in the late 18th or early 19th century, using pen and brown ink, with brush in grey wash, over black chalk. The artist used these materials to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, but they also speak to the culture of the time. Working on paper was a way of making art more accessible; this was no longer the exclusive domain of the wealthy, with their large-scale oil paintings. Instead, the artist could produce images more quickly and cheaply, which meant that more people could own and enjoy art. The landscape also reflects a growing interest in the natural world as a subject worthy of artistic attention. Ultimately, this landscape is a reminder that art is always shaped by the materials and processes used to create it, as well as the social and cultural context in which it was made. By paying attention to these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork.