Bosrand c. 1856 - 1870

Maria Vos created this pencil drawing, titled 'Bosrand,' which translates to 'Edge of the Woods,' during a time when women artists were gaining more recognition, yet still faced significant challenges in the art world. Vos, who lived from 1824 to 1906, navigated the confines of a society that often relegated women to domestic roles. Her choice to depict a landscape, rather than the more traditional subjects deemed appropriate for female artists, speaks to a quiet rebellion. The sketch itself, with its loose and expressive lines, captures a sense of freedom and exploration. It invites us to step into the woods, to experience nature in a raw and unfiltered way. Consider how Vos, as a woman in 19th-century Europe, might have found solace and independence in these natural settings. In a world that sought to define and confine her, the woods offered an escape, a space for self-discovery.