Rivierlandschap 1900 - 1931

This is Willem Bastiaan Tholen’s ‘River Landscape’ sketchbook drawing at the Rijksmuseum. It’s rendered in soft graphite. I can imagine him, sketchbook in hand, trying to quickly capture the essence of the landscape. I can imagine the artist, squinting in the sunlight, rapidly sketching and making marks to catch the moment. Note the almost frenetic energy in the lines depicting the trees, contrasting with the calm open space of the water and sky. I’m thinking about the speed of the artist’s hand, desperately trying to keep up with the changing light. That one tiny bird, almost a scribble really, adds a touch of freedom. I see it in contrast to the static, almost imposing trees. It reminds me of Symbolist drawings, quick impressions, fleeting and personal, of the natural world. We artists are always talking to one another, across time, inspiring each other to see and feel. The landscape becomes a mirror of his inner feelings.