Twee boerderijen aan de Kromme Rijn bij Utrecht 1756

Hendrik Gerbrand Schutter made this drawing of two farmhouses on the Kromme Rijn near Utrecht, using a light wash and delicate pen lines. The drawing’s monochrome palette results from the use of iron gall ink. This was a widely available writing and drawing material. It was made from tannins extracted from oak apples or galls, mixed with iron sulphate and gum arabic as a binder. The resulting fluid was easy to use and relatively permanent, making it ideal for both artistic and administrative purposes. However, iron gall ink is also corrosive, and over time, it can eat away at the paper. The fact that this image is still here is testament to the quality of the paper, and the careful hand of the artist. It's a beautiful example of how even the most mundane materials, expertly used, can result in a delicate work of art.