Schapen naast een rij knotwilgen bij een sloot 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this pencil drawing of sheep beside willows, likely in the late 19th century. The materials here are about as basic as can be: graphite on paper. Yet Mauve's artistry transforms these simple elements into something quite evocative. Look closely, and you’ll notice the varying pressure of his marks, the subtle gradations of tone that create the illusion of depth and texture. With a few strokes, he suggests the wooliness of the sheep, the rough bark of the trees, the stillness of the water. Although this appears to be a quick sketch, there is a lot of labor involved in creating a drawing that accurately captures the essence of the subject. The artist needs to have a deep understanding of the materials, and the subject. Even in a humble drawing like this, Mauve elevates the everyday through his skilled handling of materials. It reminds us that the distinction between fine art and craft can be blurry indeed.