Boomrijk landschap 1715 - 1798

Dionys van Nijmegen created this graphite drawing of a wooded scene sometime in the 18th century, likely in the Netherlands. The image emphasizes the wild, untamed aspect of nature. The trunks and foliage twist into one another, creating a scene that seems to exclude human cultivation. It reflects a fascination with nature that was typical of the period, even as land enclosure and deforestation were radically reshaping the European landscape. While the scene might at first seem apolitical, such images often served as a reminder of a simpler way of life, implicitly critiquing the growing influence of the city and mercantile institutions. The art historian might look to period sources, such as journals, maps, and literature, to understand the relationship between the Dutch and their natural environment, which this image can offer insight into.