Strollers and Rider in Hague Forest 1770 - 1800

Arie Lamme made this watercolor and gouache painting of strollers and a rider in the Hague Forest sometime in the late eighteenth century. Look closely at the way he's used his materials. The colors are applied in thin, translucent layers, particularly in the background. This gives the impression of depth and atmosphere, drawing us into the scene. Lamme has meticulously rendered the textures of the forest, from the rough bark of the trees to the soft foliage. The controlled and deliberate application of the paint shows the amount of work involved in producing such a detailed image. It elevates the seemingly mundane scene of people enjoying the forest to something worthy of contemplation. The painting is not just a depiction of a place; it's a record of a social space, of leisure and privilege. By paying attention to the materials and the making, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values and hierarchies of the time.