Lezende man in het bos 1771 - 1822

Johann David Schubert made this small drawing, “Lezende man in het bos,” with pen and brown ink, likely around the turn of the 19th century. Look closely and you'll see how Schubert's skill with the pen allows him to create depth and texture. By layering strokes of ink, he builds up the foliage, giving it a sense of volume and density. The light seems to filter through the leaves, creating a dappled effect on the figures below. This meticulous approach to drawing, reminiscent of printmaking, highlights the labor involved in the creation of an image. The choice of brown ink, a common material at the time, also speaks to the artist’s awareness of art history. Drawings like this were often made as preparatory sketches for larger paintings or prints, serving as a way for artists to work out their compositions. Yet the drawing has a directness that elevates it above a mere study. Considering the materials and labor that went into this seemingly simple scene, we can appreciate the artistic skill that elevates the drawing beyond its practical function, inviting us to contemplate the relationship between art, nature, and the human experience.