Kanal im Wald, rechts zwei Angler 1760

Gerard van Rossum made this drawing of a canal in a forest, with two anglers, using pen and brown ink. The artist built up the image using finely drawn lines. Note how the varying density of the marks creates a tonal effect, conjuring light and shadow. The repetitive, almost meditative process required a great deal of labor to execute. The materiality of the ink, with its warm brown hue, gives the scene a sense of tranquility. This sort of landscape study was not considered ‘high art’ at the time. It was closer to craft, often regarded as a preliminary exercise, rather than a finished work in its own right. Yet, in its own way, the drawing demonstrates the artist's skill, patience and control over the materials. The subject too is telling; the anglers are at leisure, able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Paying attention to materials, making, and social context allows us to appreciate the deeper meanings of an artwork like this, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.