Schets van een landschap met twee zittende figuren en een bomenpartij 1797 - 1870

Andreas Schelfhout made this landscape sketch with graphite on paper sometime between the late 18th and mid-19th century. The artist employed humble materials and a pared-down technique, focusing on the tonal range of graphite to evoke a scene with two seated figures and a group of trees. The softness of graphite lends itself to blending and subtle gradations, capturing the atmospheric quality of the landscape. While seemingly simple, the artist's control over line weight and shading creates depth and volume, establishing the composition. The work speaks to a direct engagement with the landscape, and the rise of sketching as a form of artistic exploration. Though Schelfhout was an accomplished painter, this sketch offers a glimpse into his working process. It demonstrates how the materiality of graphite and paper can be used to quickly capture a scene's essence. The piece bridges the gap between preparatory study and finished artwork, inviting us to reconsider traditional hierarchies in art.