Parkgezicht met meisjes bij een herme 1715 - 1798

"Parkgezicht met meisjes bij een herme" (Park View with Girls by a Herm) is a pencil drawing by Dutch artist Dionys van Nijmegen (1705-1798). Created sometime between 1715 and 1798, this small-scale work, measuring just 208mm by 206mm, depicts a picturesque scene of a park with a group of figures gathered near a herm, or pillar with a sculpted head. The loose, expressive lines and delicate shading suggest a quick, spontaneous sketch, capturing the essence of the scene rather than rendering it in detail. The composition is simple yet effective, with a dominant tree framing the figures and the herm in the foreground. Van Nijmegen was known for his landscapes and genre scenes, and this drawing demonstrates his skill in capturing the natural beauty of the Dutch countryside and the lively interactions of everyday people.