Boom 1843 - 1857

Johannes Tavenraat made this monochromatic study of a tree, entitled Boom, using graphite on paper. During the 19th century, landscape art grew in prominence, mirroring a changing relationship between people and the natural world. Industrialization brought rapid urbanization and altered traditional ways of life, leading to new ideas about nature as a source of solace, national identity, and spiritual renewal. Artists like Tavenraat captured quiet moments in nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, seemingly untouched by the rapid changes of society. However, this seemingly benign image of nature belies the intertwined forces of colonialism, capitalism, and environmental exploitation. The commodification of land and natural resources facilitated the exploitation of marginalized communities and the degradation of ecosystems. Here we can consider how the depiction of landscapes served to both celebrate and mask the complexities of our relationship with the environment. Consider the ways in which the artist invites us to reflect on our place within the natural world.