Bomen in Beekhuizen, Velp 1878

"Bomen in Beekhuizen, Velp" is a drawing made by Willem Witsen. The late 19th-century Dutch art scene was beginning to grapple with questions of national identity. Witsen, born into an elite family, chose to depict the quiet solitude of nature. His choice reflects a broader cultural desire to turn inward, towards the landscapes of the Netherlands, to define a sense of belonging. This drawing is a study of trees in the Dutch countryside. The composition, with its focus on the base of the trees, invites us to consider themes of rootedness and connection to the earth. Witsen's loose strokes give the drawing an intimate feel. Does this piece remind us of our place in nature? How do we find our roots, and what grounds us? Witsen’s landscape allows us to reflect on these questions.