Oprijlaan 1904 - 1905

Simon Moulijn created this pencil drawing, titled 'Oprijlaan', around the turn of the 20th century. Moulijn was working during a time of significant social and political change in the Netherlands. The drawing depicts a tree-lined avenue, a common motif in Dutch art, yet the way he renders it is quite personal. The trees create a tunnel-like effect, drawing the eye toward a distant vanishing point. This image evokes a sense of intimacy and introspection. The high vantage point and the subtle gradations of light and shadow suggest a feeling of detachment. What are the stories embedded in this landscape? Are they tales of progress, nature, or something more personal and contemplative? Moulijn's careful attention to detail invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the natural world and the memories it holds.