Slootkant 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve’s sketch, Slootkant, rendered in graphite, presents us with a tranquil waterside scene. The composition, though minimal, evokes a sense of serene contemplation. A lone tree, centrally positioned, dominates the view, its bare branches reaching across the page, mirrored in the calm waters below. The artist uses short, gestural strokes to define the forms, creating a subtle interplay between light and shadow. The horizon line is blurred, merging the water and sky in a seamless unity. The clouds, sketched with a light touch, add a sense of depth and atmosphere to the composition. Mauve seems less concerned with precise representation, and more interested in capturing the mood and essence of the landscape. This approach reflects a shift towards subjectivity in art, where personal expression takes precedence over objective reality. The sketch is a study in reduction, where less becomes more, inviting us to reflect on the beauty of simplicity.