Trees
1878
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Trees is a 1878 by Leopold Bode, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows a group of tall, bare trees in a dark forest. The branches twist sharply against a muted sky, and the trunks stand thick and gnarled. The artist used only shades of gray and brown, making the scene feel quiet and shadowy. The trees are drawn with rough, quick lines, giving them a wild, almost ghostly look. The background fades into darkness, making the trees stand out even more. If you like this style, check out chiaroscuro next.