Gestürzter Baum an einem Bach 28 - 1856

Johann Heinrich Hasselhorst made this drawing, entitled Gestürzter Baum an einem Bach, using pen and brown ink with gray wash. The artist paid close attention to the contrasting textures of the fallen tree, rocks, and water, rendering them with precise, controlled lines. The gray wash adds depth and volume to the scene, emphasizing the play of light and shadow across the rough surfaces. Look closely at the way Hasselhorst builds up the image with layered strokes of ink, a time-consuming process. Drawings like this were not just artistic exercises. They were vital tools for understanding and documenting the natural world. The labor involved in their creation, the slow and deliberate process of observation and rendering, is a testament to the value placed on close engagement with the environment. So, as you look at this drawing, consider the connection between material, making, and seeing, and how it challenges the distinction between art and craft.