Rivierlandschap, Java c. 1816 - 1846

This pencil sketch, titled "Rivierlandschap, Java" by Adrianus Johannes Bik, is a delicate depiction of a river landscape in Java, Indonesia. Dated circa 1816-1846, the drawing captures a peaceful scene with lush vegetation, a river, and a building in the distance. The artist’s loose, gestural lines create a sense of immediacy, as if he were sketching the scene directly from nature. The subtle shading and use of negative space create a sense of depth and distance, drawing the viewer into the picturesque landscape. Bik was known for his travel sketches and this work exemplifies his fascination with the natural world of the Dutch East Indies.