Gezicht op de Vergierdeweg bij Haarlem, naar het noorden gezien 1777

This subtle drawing, *Gezicht op de Vergierdeweg bij Haarlem, naar het noorden gezien*, was made by J. Peppel with pen and brush in gray ink, capturing a rural scene. The material itself invites quiet contemplation. It’s not oil paint or marble, meant to impress, but humble ink on paper. Look closely, and you’ll notice the soft gradations of tone, built up with delicate strokes. The artist used the ink’s fluidity to suggest the movement of water and foliage. The choice of medium speaks volumes. It emphasizes the scene's ordinariness, far from the pomp of city life. The drawing captures a moment in the agricultural cycle, with livestock and figures on foot, hinting at the rhythms of daily life and labor. The detailed rendering suggests the artist knew this landscape intimately. The drawing, in its quiet way, reminds us of the value in observing the everyday. It is an important skill, still today, to pause and reflect on the beauty that surrounds us. By choosing such modest means, Peppel elevates the ordinary into something truly special.