Studie 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this study with black chalk, sometime in the mid-19th century. Mauve lived during a period of significant social change, shaped by industrialization and urbanization. His artistic practice was deeply rooted in the landscape, which provided the main inspiration for his works. This sketch gives us access to Mauve’s process and can be placed in the context of the Hague School, where artists sought to capture the natural world, often with an emphasis on mood and atmosphere. There’s something deeply personal in the act of sketching, a freedom and immediacy not always present in finished works. This study invites us to consider the artist’s perspective, his relationship to the land, and the ways in which these intimate explorations contribute to broader narratives. Ultimately, this sketch reveals Mauve's deep connection to his environment, offering a window into the artistic and emotional landscape of the 19th century.