Knotwilg en planten aan de waterkant 1826 - 1828

Adrianus van der Koogh created this drawing of a pollard willow and plants by the water's edge with graphite. The tranquil scene is immediately striking for its concentration of textures within a relatively limited tonal range, giving it an intimate feel. Notice how the artist focuses on the structure of the landscape. The composition is arranged with a meticulous eye for detail, moving from the gnarled trunk of the tree to the varied foliage, reflecting in the stillness of the water. These natural elements, depicted with careful strokes, offer a study in contrasts: smooth versus rough, organic versus structured. Van der Koogh uses the graphite medium to explore the relationship between form and representation. There's an emphasis on the intrinsic qualities of the drawing, the structure of the tree, and the texture of the plants. These elements do not merely represent; they invite us to consider how we perceive the world through an interplay of lines, shapes, and values. It’s a subtle reminder that art is not just about what we see, but how we see.