Dorpsgezicht van 's Gravenmoer 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this Village View of 's Gravenmoer with chalk on paper. Veth was a man of letters, and this is clearly evident in his work; many of his drawings and prints contain literary references and were inspired by his readings. This drawing, like many of his works, draws on the traditions of Dutch realism and naturalism. The seemingly quiet and humble scene invites us to look at the ordinary and find value in the everyday. This approach to art mirrors the societal shifts happening during Veth's time when there was a growing interest in the lives of ordinary people. The simple lines and muted tones used in the drawing create a sense of melancholy, it also communicates something fundamental about the Dutch spirit. Veth does not embellish this place; instead, his goal is to capture the soul of this village.