Spittende boer 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve sketched "Spittende boer" with pencil on paper, capturing a moment of rural life. Mauve, working in the late 19th century, situated himself within the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists known for their realistic depictions of landscapes and everyday scenes. Mauve's choice to portray a farmer spitting might seem simple, but it reflects a deeper connection to the land and the working class. The act of spitting, often seen as vulgar, here becomes an assertion of the farmer’s presence and labor. Mauve does not shy away from depicting the raw, unglamorous aspects of rural existence. Consider the historical context: the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and economic changes. As urban centers grew, there was a renewed interest in rural life. How does Mauve’s sketch play into this tension between the idealized countryside and the harsh realities of agricultural work? The sketch invites us to reflect on the dignity and resilience of those who work the land, and how their stories are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.