Bomen 1836

Reinierus Albertus Ludovicus baron van Isendoorn à Blois created this print, entitled "Bomen", using etching. The image presents a study of trees in a landscape, which was a popular genre amongst landowners in the Netherlands in the early 19th century. Van Isendoorn à Blois belonged to the landed gentry, and it was common for members of the aristocracy to produce art as a pastime. This etching may have been part of a larger collection, perhaps displayed in the family home, reflecting a cultivated appreciation for the natural world but also re-enforcing the social status of its creator. Landscape art at this time served as a reflection of national identity, with artists often depicting idealized versions of the countryside. In this print, we can see the artist has focused on the naturalistic rendering of the trees, which reflects the influence of the Dutch Romantic movement, with its emphasis on the beauty and power of nature. Art historians use estate records and family papers to help to reveal the social context of art production in this period.