Landschap met bebouwing 1880 - 1886

Louis Apol made this sketch of a landscape with buildings using black chalk, but we don't know exactly when. Apol was renowned for his winter landscapes, and this sketch offers insight into his artistic process. Made in the Netherlands, the sketch provides a glimpse into the Dutch relationship with their landscape. In the 19th century, Dutch artists grappled with themes of industrialization and urbanization, often turning to the landscape as a symbol of national identity. Apol's choice of subject reflects the cultural values placed on the Dutch countryside. The Rijksmuseum itself, as an institution, played a role in shaping artistic trends by collecting and displaying works that resonated with the Dutch identity. Understanding the context in which art is made requires research into the artist's life, the prevailing social attitudes, and the institutional forces that shape artistic production.