Path underneath trees 

Franz Kobell created this linear pen and ink drawing depicting a path underneath trees. Kobell was a German artist who lived and worked during a time of significant social and political change in Europe. His work reflects a growing interest in naturalism and landscape art. The image creates meaning through its simple, direct style, typical of the period. The trees and path are rendered with careful attention to detail, but the overall effect is one of tranquility and harmony. Germany at this time was undergoing social and economic changes. The growth of cities and industry, coupled with an increasing interest in scientific observation. Art historians often look at letters, diaries, and other documentary sources to gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which art was made. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context, and it is the role of the historian to help us understand that context more fully.