Albert Berg Burial Place Nangasaki ca 1860 120745 1124 European art; part 1

The drawing presents a scene centered around what appears to be a burial ground, rendered in a delicate graphite style. A path leads the eye toward a structure situated on slightly elevated ground; this building, seemingly a small pavilion or shrine, is characterized by its simple architectural form and dark, shadowed entrance. Dense foliage dominates much of the composition, obscuring portions of the surrounding landscape and contributing to an atmosphere of quiet seclusion.
The artist has employed a technique of rapid, short strokes to depict the leaves on the trees, creating a sense of texture and volume without resorting to detailed rendering. The ground slopes gently upward toward the building, suggesting a deliberate placement within the natural topography. Several stone markers are visible along the right side of the path, confirming the location as a burial site. These markers vary in size and shape, some appearing more weathered than others, hinting at different periods of interment.
The overall impression is one of solemnity and contemplation. The limited tonal range – primarily grayscale – reinforces this mood, avoiding any overt display of emotion or vibrancy. The placement of the inscription Nagasaki in the lower left corner provides contextual information, grounding the scene within a specific geographic location. The date “12.6.XII” situated in the bottom right corner suggests the time of creation.
Subtly, the drawing conveys a sense of transience and memory. The overgrown vegetation implies the passage of time and the gradual reclamation of human-made structures by nature. The obscured entrance to the building invites speculation about its purpose and the stories held within. It is not merely a depiction of a place but an evocation of loss, remembrance, and the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world.