Hond, rennend naar links 1887 - 1911

Gust van de Wall Perné made this sketch of a dog running to the left in pencil on paper. Though undated, the image’s simple outlines and geometric forms resonate with the early twentieth century’s burgeoning modernist movement. Consider the institutional role of the Rijksmuseum, where this sketch now resides. Founded in the late 19th century, it was part of a larger project of Dutch national identity formation through art and culture. This sketch, with its clear lines and dynamic movement, stands in contrast to the detailed realism often associated with earlier Dutch art. The choice of such a modernist work by the institution reflects a shift in what was considered worthy of preservation and display. Understanding this piece involves researching the artist’s influences and the prevailing artistic debates of his time. Art history isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the social and institutional forces that shape artistic production and reception.