Figuren op een heuvel aan een waterkant 1872 - 1878

This landscape drawing was made by Maria Vos in 1872, and it's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Vos was working in a time when women artists navigated a complex social landscape, often confined to certain genres like landscapes or portraits. In this sketch, figures dot the scenery, becoming part of the tranquil vista, rather than its central focus. It’s interesting to consider how landscape art, historically, served not just as a depiction of nature, but also as a reflection of cultural values and societal norms. The presence of figures invites contemplation on humanity's place within the natural world. Vos here offers an alternative narrative: a quiet, unassuming interaction between people and their environment.