De hermitage 1636 - 1687

Jacob Esselens’ “De hermitage” is a 17th-century drawing depicting a serene woodland scene. The composition features a prominent tree in the foreground, its branches reaching towards the sky. A group of figures are positioned near the base of the tree, their small forms adding a sense of scale to the vast landscape. The detailed rendering of the foliage and the distant hills suggests Esselens’ keen eye for observation and his mastery of drawing techniques. This artwork exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with natural beauty and the portrayal of everyday life.