Group of trees by the water 

Here we see a pencil drawing titled "Group of Trees by the Water" by Peter Becker, who was born in 1828. As an artist coming of age in the mid-19th century, Becker operated within a society undergoing significant transformations in artistic expression and cultural identity. The focus on landscape, particularly the tranquil scene of trees by the water, reflects a longing for the untouched and idealized natural world. This longing was fueled by the rapid industrialization and urbanization that characterized the era. Becker’s choice of subject matter speaks to broader themes of Romanticism and the search for spiritual solace in nature. The drawing is emotionally evocative through its delicate lines and tranquil composition. It departs from traditional, more formal landscape depictions, embracing a looser, more expressive style that captures the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere. Becker's artistic perspective offers a glimpse into the shifting cultural values of his time, as he balances the need for artistic tradition with the desire for a more personal and emotionally resonant expression.