Landscape with Farm Buildings c. 17th century

This delicate landscape with farm buildings was made around the mid-17th century, attributed to Pieter de With, using pen and brown ink on paper. The drawing gives us a glimpse into the rural life of the Dutch Golden Age. The choice of materials speaks volumes. Brown ink, readily available and relatively inexpensive, allowed for a fluid and immediate way of capturing the scene. The artist's hand is evident in the swift, economical lines that define the buildings, trees, and rolling landscape. You can almost see the pen dancing across the paper, guided by the artist's eye. What elevates this modest drawing is the skill with which de With coaxes depth and atmosphere from such simple means. It's a reminder that true artistry lies not in the extravagance of materials, but in the sensitivity and skill of the maker. The drawing invites us to consider the value of everyday life, and the beauty that can be found in the humblest of subjects.