Hutje op palen, bij Maristuen, Noorwegen 1871

Willem Maris sketched this hut on stilts, near Maristuen in Norway, using graphite on paper. Maris belonged to the Hague School, a group of Dutch realist painters active in the second half of the 19th century, who, influenced by the French Barbizon School, advocated for painting en plein air. The choice of such an ordinary subject reflects the group’s focus on the everyday life of rural communities. However, it is important to consider the romanticization of rural life, as it often overlooks the harsh realities of poverty and isolation faced by many in these communities. Consider the function of this hut in relation to those who used it. Maris' sketch invites us to reflect on the relationship between landscape, dwelling, and human experience. It suggests a quiet intimacy, urging us to contemplate our own connections to place and memory.