Vrouw, mogelijk in een tuin of weide 1854 - 1914

Albert Neuhuys made this drawing of a woman, possibly in a garden or meadow, at an unknown date, using graphite on paper. Neuhuys was a Dutch painter associated with the Hague School, a group of artists who, in the late 19th century, broke away from the prevailing academic style to paint in a more naturalistic and impressionistic manner. They often depicted everyday scenes of rural life. The setting of this sketch seems to be in line with this tendency. However, while this drawing may appear to be an innocent depiction of rural life, it is important to consider the social and economic context in which it was made. The Netherlands, like many European countries at the time, was undergoing rapid industrialization, leading to significant social and economic upheaval. The Hague School artists, including Neuhuys, were responding to these changes by romanticizing rural life and idealizing the simplicity of the past. By examining historical documents, such as letters, diaries, and newspaper articles, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which this drawing was created, and of the complex relationship between art and society.