Gezicht op een beekdal bij Doorwerth 1838

Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg created this landscape view of a stream valley near Doorwerth, using pen and brush in gray ink, around the early to mid-19th century. The composition is structured around a pronounced foreground of dense foliage that gradually opens up to reveal a distant vista. The artist masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching techniques to define form and texture throughout the work. Notice how the density of these lines increases in the darker areas, creating a sense of depth and volume. The horizontal lines in the sky contrast with the intricate details of the landscape. Couwenberg’s use of monochrome invites us to focus on the tonal variations and the way light and shadow interact across the scene. This formal choice emphasizes the structural elements of the landscape, revealing a detailed articulation of natural forms, challenging us to reconsider our perception of depth.