Boomstudie 1786 - 1857

Abraham Teerlink created this tree study with pen in the late 18th or early 19th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval following the French Revolution. At the time, nature was often viewed through a romantic lens. In contrast to the rigid social structures, landscapes were seen as spaces of freedom. Within the context of colonialism, landscapes were also connected to power and control, used to represent the taming and ownership of land. Teerlink was born in a changing world, where old orders were questioned and new ways of seeing took root. His detailed rendering invites us to consider our relationship with nature. The drawing captures the solitary grandeur of the tree. It embodies the resilience and enduring presence of nature. Through Teerlink's eyes, this tree becomes more than just a study; it is an emblem of nature's quiet strength.