Berglandschap, Java c. 1816 - 1846

This pencil sketch, "Berglandschap, Java," by Adrianus Johannes Bik, depicts a landscape in Java, Indonesia. Created between 1816 and 1846, the work showcases the artist's keen observation of the natural world. The delicate lines of the drawing, characteristic of Bik's style, capture the subtle nuances of the mountain range, the foliage, and the terrain. This sketch, housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the artist's fascination with the exotic landscapes of Java, a popular destination for Dutch artists and travelers in the 19th century. The inscription "onderheid, west Java" further hints at the specific location of the depicted landscape.