Schapen tussen de bomen 1834 - 1906

Here we have "Schapen tussen de bomen," or "Sheep Among the Trees," an undated pencil drawing by Maria Vos, preserved at the Rijksmuseum. Vos, living from 1824 to 1906, navigated a world where women artists were often relegated to specific genres, like still life or portraits. In this sketch, we see sheep clustered beneath trees, an intimate glimpse into a pastoral scene. The light touch of pencil on paper gives us a sense of immediacy, almost as if we're looking over Vos' shoulder as she captures a fleeting moment. Vos was part of a generation of women artists pushing against the constraints of their time. She, alongside her contemporaries, sought to find their own artistic voice. This drawing, while seemingly simple, speaks volumes about the artist's keen observation and her desire to capture the quiet beauty of the natural world. It offers a glimpse into how she, as a woman artist, chose to represent her surroundings, finding beauty in the everyday.