Boom c. 1816 - 1846

Adrianus Johannes Bik created this drawing of a tree using graphite on blue paper, and the contrast of the gray graphite against the blue gives the drawing a hazy, dreamlike quality. The work is a study in close observation of nature, but also an exercise in technical skill. Graphite, essentially processed carbon, allows for precise lines and subtle shading, capturing the delicate branching structure and foliage of the tree. The choice of blue paper isn't accidental; it acts as a mid-tone, making the graphite appear lighter and more luminous. Consider the amount of work involved in achieving this level of detail, and the artist’s skill in hand-eye coordination. Drawings like these are often seen as preliminary studies, but they also stand alone as testaments to human skill. We can appreciate the artistry involved, and challenge the traditional hierarchy between 'fine art' and the 'applied arts'.