Bomen langs het water bij de Kleiweg 1876 - 1877

Willem Cornelis Rip made this drawing of trees along the water near the Kleiweg with graphite on paper. The work appears to be a quick, impressionistic sketch, and we can see the hand of the artist in the brisk strokes. The apparent lack of finish is important, and raises the question of labor. If Rip had dedicated more time to rendering a highly realistic depiction of this scene, the result would perhaps be considered a work of high art. As it is, this piece might be thought of as a study, a preparatory exercise, or even just a casual pastime. Ultimately, the distinction is artificial. This drawing is of a piece with the artist's better known paintings, and it rewards close looking, especially in terms of its materiality.