Rustende figuren bij hoge bomen before 1815

Hermanus van Brussel’s etching presents a tranquil scene, dominated by the verticality of tall trees. The artist’s lines create a sense of depth, drawing the eye into the composition, while also evoking the rough texture of bark and foliage. The lower section features figures resting near a fence, adding a human element to the grandeur of nature. Van Brussel masterfully balances light and shadow. The darker areas emphasize the density of the woods, and the lighter spaces suggest openings where sunlight filters through. This interplay between light and dark creates a semiotic tension. The vertical lines of the trees contrast with the horizontal rest of the figures. This contrast embodies a dynamic between nature's imposing presence and humanity's place within it. The work invites us to consider our relationship to the natural world, and how we perceive the dichotomy between activity and rest.