Path through the Village of Manen at Ede 1783

Wybrand Hendriks created this watercolor and pen drawing of the Village of Manen at Ede. The artist's choice of humble materials—paper, watercolor, and pen— mirrors the rustic subject matter. The thin washes of color create a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the pen lines define the forms of the buildings and trees. The thatched roof of the building on the left is particularly well-rendered, with individual strokes of the pen suggesting the texture of the straw. It emphasizes a direct connection to the land. Hendriks was part of a generation of artists who turned away from the grand, historical subjects of the past, to everyday life. In this context, it’s important to remember that the materials and processes used here reflect a broader interest in the lives of ordinary people, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. This elevation of simple subject matter goes hand in hand with the artist’s embrace of the craft of drawing itself.