Gezicht aan de rand van de duinen, links een groepje personen 1650 - 1660

This landscape, "Gezicht aan de rand van de duinen, links een groepje personen" was created by Pieter de Molijn using graphite, likely on paper, in the 17th century. The medium of graphite lends itself to capturing the nuances of light and shadow, essential for depicting the landscape's atmospheric conditions. The artist's hand skillfully uses the pencil to create varying tones and textures, suggesting the gritty quality of sand and the movement of the wind. Drawing was a fundamental skill for artists, and often served as studies for larger paintings or as independent works of art. In this case, the quick and efficient nature of graphite allowed for capturing the fleeting effects of nature and life: figures, dune, and distant buildings. Graphite democratized art-making, making it more accessible to a wider range of artists. This work invites us to appreciate the beauty of everyday materials.