Rivierlandschap 1634 - 1700

Lambert Doomer made this river landscape using graphite and ink, likely on paper, in the 17th century. These are not esoteric materials, but their skillful application gives the scene its life. The artist’s hand is evident in the deliberate strokes that define the scene: see how the graphite creates a sense of depth in the water, and how the ink washes suggest the hazy sky? Doomer’s labor-intensive process involved careful observation and transcription. In this period, the Dutch landscape itself was a kind of product, reclaimed from the sea and invested with enormous economic significance. The windmill in the background is a silent partner of the people in the scene, who are clearly working. This drawing embodies the Protestant work ethic, where labor and careful attention to the world are seen as virtues. Paying attention to the materials and processes used by Doomer, we can understand the full social and cultural context of this evocative landscape.