Landschap bij Renkum c. 1775

Jan Brandes created this landscape drawing near Renkum using pen and gray ink, capturing a scene from the late 18th century. Brandes, a clergyman and traveler for the Dutch East India Company, often documented his journeys through detailed drawings. This landscape, however, isn't just a neutral observation. It reflects the era’s complex relationship with nature and society. The figures scattered throughout suggest a human presence carefully placed within the scene, almost as if to highlight a sense of scale. Brandes’ work invites us to consider how land is both a physical space and a cultural construct, shaped by those who inhabit and depict it. The delicate lines and muted tones create a quiet, reflective mood. The drawing invites us to ponder our own relationship with the environment. How do we see ourselves within these landscapes? How do the histories of those who came before us shape our understanding of place and identity?