Tuin met bomen en stokbonen 1897

Simon Moulijn made this pencil drawing, "Garden with Trees and Pole Beans," in 1897. It depicts an unassuming garden scene, and the everyday nature of this Dutch landscape drawing offers us a fascinating glimpse into the social values of its time. The work emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Dutch people and their land. In the late 19th century, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Artists and intellectuals began to look to the countryside as a source of national identity, authenticity, and moral value, turning away from the cosmopolitanism of the city. Moulijn's choice of subject reflects this cultural shift. He elevates the humble garden to a place of beauty and significance. The drawing's delicate lines and muted tones evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. To fully understand this drawing, we can consult historical archives, literature, and social commentaries from the period to understand the values placed on the rural, the local, and the authentic in Dutch society.