Landscape I 

Rik Wouters made this pen and ink drawing, “Landscape I,” in the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid social and political upheaval across Europe. Wouters' personal life was interwoven with the political turmoil of his time. As a Belgian artist, he experienced the impact of World War I firsthand, eventually being conscripted into the military. This landscape, with its village nestled on a hillside, is rendered in a style that captures the essence of place with remarkable economy. The quick, confident strokes suggest a sense of urgency, perhaps reflecting the fleeting moments of peace amidst broader conflict. Yet, the scene is devoid of people, giving it a sense of solitude. Wouters’ ability to evoke an emotional response through such spare means speaks to the complex interplay between personal experience and artistic expression. This landscape serves not only as a depiction of a physical space, but as an emotional space marked by a sense of quiet, resilience, and perhaps, a yearning for a world untouched by the chaos of war.