Study of a Gnarled Tree

Paulus Willemsz. van Vianen, c. 1603

Paulus van Vianen was appointed ‘Kammergoldschmied’ (court goldsmith) by Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, in 1603. The Utrecht native was not only a phenomenal silversmith but also a gifted draughtsman. Encouraged by his patron to observe raw nature, Van Vianen ventured far and wide. He regularly used the studies he made outdoors to decorate his silver plaques and bowls.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-2008-94(V)
  • Dimensionsheight 120 mm x width 192 mm
  • Physical characteristicspen in zwart, penseel in grijs, rose en blauw-groen