Bomen aan een waterkant c. 1891

This drawing of trees along a waterside, by Egbert Rubertus Derk Schaap, was made with graphite on paper. The artist's hand is evident through the marks of the graphite pencil on the page. You can see the variations in pressure and direction of the lines used to build up tone and texture. The trees are depicted with a dense network of dark lines, in contrast to the lighter, more sparse lines used for the water and sky. The choice of graphite as a medium is significant; it is easily portable, inexpensive, and lends itself to sketching and studies made outdoors, and conveys a sense of immediacy and directness, suggesting that the artist captured the scene on the spot. The quick lines and lack of detail also emphasize the ephemeral qualities of nature. Considering the context of its creation, this work prompts us to reflect on the relationship between the artist, the natural world, and the means of representation. It blurs the boundaries between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in translating a scene onto paper.