Boomstam 1874

Willem Cornelis Rip rendered this graphite drawing, "Boomstam," with a sparse yet evocative touch. The composition, dominated by horizontal lines suggesting the contours of a tree trunk, invites a reading of form as both surface and structure. Rip's economy of line is striking. Each stroke delineates the shape of the wood, while simultaneously implying its texture and volume. This dual function destabilizes the conventional understanding of drawing as mere representation, pushing it towards a form of abstract expression. The structural approach is evident not only in the rendering of the trunk but also in the subtle inclusion of surrounding botanical elements that frame and enhance the main subject. The drawing challenges fixed meanings, prompting viewers to contemplate the essence of form and representation.