Weiland met knotwilgen c. 1868s - 1878s

Jan Willem van Borselen created this sketch of pollard willows using graphite on paper. It's a simple pairing of materials, but in that very simplicity, we can see the artist's direct engagement with the landscape. Note how van Borselen used the side of the graphite to render the bulk of the trees, using the qualities of the soft material to evoke the textures and forms of nature. The strokes capture the essence of the scene, a fleeting moment of observation skillfully translated onto paper. Consider, too, the social context of this work. Landscape sketches like these were often studies for larger paintings, part of a broader artistic and cultural interest in the natural world. While seemingly modest, this sketch represents the labor and skill involved in capturing a sense of place, and reflects a deep connection to the Dutch landscape. By appreciating the materials and processes behind this sketch, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.