Bomen 1834 - 1903

Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch made this pencil drawing, titled "Bomen" or "Trees," sometime in the 19th century. Weissenbruch was part of the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who reacted against the rigid academic style that dominated the art world. Weissenbruch and the Hague School wanted to paint scenes of everyday life, especially landscapes. In the Netherlands, the landscape isn't just nature; it's also a reflection of how people have shaped the land through agriculture and water management. Look at how he captures the light and atmosphere with quick, loose lines. This was a deliberate move away from the highly finished, detailed paintings that were favored by the art establishment. To understand this drawing better, we can look at exhibition records, reviews, and the writings of the artists themselves. By placing the artwork within its social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.