Herder met schapen c. 1876 - 1879

Anton Mauve sketched this "Herder met schapen" with black chalk. The drawing encapsulates the essence of rural life in the Netherlands, a subject that gained popularity in the 19th century. Mauve, influenced by the Hague School, portrays the shepherd and sheep not merely as figures in a landscape, but as part of the socio-economic fabric of Dutch society. The sketch reflects the period’s changing attitudes towards rural communities, influenced by urbanization and industrial growth. Artists like Mauve helped shape a cultural narrative that often romanticized the countryside, offering a contrast to the industrializing cities. To fully appreciate a work like this, it’s essential to consult historical documents, studies of the Hague School, and social histories of the Netherlands. Doing so sheds light on the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that frame our understanding of both.