Landschap met een groep bomen c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this pencil drawing, entitled 'Landschap met een groep bomen', as part of a larger sketchbook. Witsen belonged to a group of Dutch artists who came of age in a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. They developed a deep appreciation for the natural world, seeking refuge in quiet landscapes. This drawing provides a glimpse into Witsen's creative process. It seems like the drawing comes from direct observation, attempting to capture the essence of a fleeting moment in nature. The sketch invites us to contemplate the changing relationship between humanity and the environment. As you look at the drawing, consider the emotional and personal connection Witsen might have had with the landscape, a connection that was often rooted in a desire to preserve what was being lost in a rapidly changing world.