Schetsblad met plant- en boomstudie 1821 - 1891

This graphite drawing of plant and tree studies was made by Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen, though we don’t know when. Graphite is the crucial material here; a relatively soft form of carbon that leaves a dark mark when dragged across paper. But consider how much information and expression can be coaxed from such a humble substance. Notice the variations in pressure, creating darker, more emphatic lines alongside the faintest whisper of shadow. The artist has skillfully depicted the botanical forms and their textures, conveying the rough bark of the trees, and the delicate forms of the leaves. The layering of lines creates depth and volume, and the composition as a whole suggests a close observation of nature, and a clear appreciation of the innate qualities of the materials used. This drawing is a reminder that even the simplest of materials can be used to create complex and beautiful works of art, and that the act of making is itself a form of knowledge.