Huizen 1849 - 1917

This pencil drawing titled "Huizen" was made by Matthijs Maris, a Dutch artist who lived from 1839 to 1917. The image presents a cluster of houses in a seemingly rural setting. Maris was associated with the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists working in the second half of the 19th century who aimed to depict the everyday life of the Netherlands in a realistic manner. They often chose to represent rural scenes or working-class neighborhoods. The loose and unfinished quality of this sketch might suggest a quick study or a preparatory drawing. The drawing style reflects a shift towards more informal and spontaneous modes of artmaking, in contrast to the more polished academic styles that were supported by institutions at the time. To fully understand this work, you might explore the social history of the Netherlands in the late 19th century and the role that The Hague School played in shaping national identity. We can look at how artists reacted to urbanization and industrialization at the time. The sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's world and invites us to reflect on the evolving relationship between art and society.