Schapen bij een bomengroep c. 1876 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing of sheep near a group of trees using graphite on paper. The quick, flowing lines reveal the artist's interest in capturing a fleeting moment. The choice of graphite as a medium is significant. Unlike the laborious process of oil painting, graphite allows for spontaneity and immediacy. Its dry application contrasts with the wet media more often associated with established fine art practices. The marks on the page offer a sense of the artist’s hand and arm movements, as he captured the essence of the landscape with economical strokes. This sketch offers insight into Mauve’s working methods, and the value he placed on direct observation. By focusing on the materiality and process behind the work, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's vision and the labor involved in creating this seemingly effortless sketch.