Berkenbomen in het bos 1829 - 1830

Barend Cornelis Koekkoek created this work, Berkenbomen in het bos, using graphite. This drawing depicts a copse of birch trees, and to understand it fully, we need to consider the cultural value of landscape in the Netherlands. During the Dutch Golden Age, landscape painting rose to prominence, reflecting a sense of national identity tied to the land itself. This tradition continued into the 19th century, when Koekkoek was active, as the Netherlands sought to redefine itself after a period of French rule. Koekkoek’s choice of subject, the birch trees, evokes a sense of the Dutch countryside. However, it's worth considering the historical associations of this imagery. As the Dutch urbanized, the countryside became a symbol of purity. We could consult archives from museums and academic institutions that hold letters and journals to understand the ways in which Dutch art lovers spoke about the landscape and its meaning for their own society.