Staande man met een pet en een jas tot op de knie 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this pencil drawing, ‘Standing man with a cap and a coat to his knees,’ as a study for a larger work. Mauve was a leading figure in the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists active in the second half of the 19th century. This image reflects the Hague School’s broader interest in portraying everyday life and the working class. Notice how Mauve’s sketch captures the man's posture and clothing with a focus on the details of his working-class attire. The quick sketch suggests the artist's desire to capture the essence of his subject, hinting at the social realities and individual stories embedded within the broader scope of Dutch society. To fully understand Mauve's artistic vision, consider the social and cultural context of the Netherlands at the time, through the letters, biographies, and critical reviews of the period. Understanding these influences helps us see art as deeply connected to its time and place.