Boomstam 1874

Willem Cornelis Rip created "Boomstam" using graphite on paper. The drawing presents a study of a fallen tree trunk, rendered with delicate and precise lines. The composition is structured around the horizontal trajectory of the trunk, which stretches across the page. Rip masterfully employs shading to model the form of the tree, capturing the texture of the bark and the play of light upon its surface. Rip's choice of graphite as a medium allows for a detailed and nuanced exploration of form. The lines are faint, almost ephemeral, creating a sense of quiet observation. The negative space around the trunk contributes to the overall balance of the composition, drawing attention to the organic form of the tree. The drawing's power lies in its simplicity. The composition, combined with the precision of the draftsmanship, evokes a sense of contemplation. Ultimately, "Boomstam" is a formal study, an exploration of line, form, and texture which emphasizes the materiality of the natural world.