A Giant Oak at the Edge of a Forest Possibly 1840

Cornelis Steffelaar created this drawing, A Giant Oak at the Edge of a Forest, with pen and brown ink and brush in grey ink in the 19th century. Steffelaar was Dutch, and his subject here is an enduring symbol of his nation. The monumental oak tree was an important romantic symbol in the Netherlands. The tree symbolized the virtues of the Dutch people: strength, resilience, and rootedness in their native soil. As such it played a key role in consolidating a new national identity after the Napoleonic wars. Note how the artist has chosen to depict the tree from a low vantage point, emphasizing its towering height. Steffelaar’s choice of medium is also revealing. Drawing, rather than painting, was considered an amateur activity. To understand the image better, we could research its exhibition history. Was it ever displayed in a public space? The history of the print market is also important. Did Steffelaar create other images that might shed light on his artistic interests and political views?