Koeien in een weide bij een waterkant 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve sketched "Cows in a Meadow by a Waterfront" using graphite on paper. It's a quick, almost ephemeral medium, and graphite offers a direct connection between hand and surface. The sketchiness echoes the landscape, with the cows loosely defined and integrated into their surroundings. Look at the marks; they are not about precise depiction, but rather an impression of light and form. The softness of graphite allows Mauve to capture the hazy atmosphere of the meadow, blurring the lines between the cows, water, and land. The choice of graphite also speaks to the accessibility of artmaking. It’s an inexpensive material, allowing for quick studies and explorations. This aligns with the broader social context of landscape painting at the time, as artists sought to capture the everyday lives of rural communities. Ultimately, Mauve's sketch reminds us that artmaking doesn't always require grand gestures or precious materials, but can emerge from the simplest of means.