View of the Dunes at Scheveningen 1648 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop created this evocative drawing of the Dunes at Scheveningen with pen and brown ink, on paper, sometime in the mid-17th century. De Bisschop's choice of pen and ink emphasizes the importance of line and mark-making. Notice how the delicate lines and washes of ink bring the scene to life, capturing the atmospheric perspective and the movement of light across the dunes. The artist's skillful handling of the pen transforms the ordinary scene into a captivating and evocative image. The medium's portability allowed artists to capture scenes and landscapes directly from life, on the spot. Drawings like these show the importance of materiality and process in understanding the artwork's social and cultural significance. It also prompts us to consider the conditions of labor and trade that made the materials accessible to the artist, reflecting the expanding economic networks of the Dutch Golden Age. Ultimately, de Bisschop’s work challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.