Landschap met gras en struiken 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this drawing, "Landschap met gras en struiken," using black chalk. The landscape comes alive through Mauve's expressive marks. The composition emphasizes a horizontal stretch, dividing the space into earth and sky. The drawing’s energy resides in its texture. Look closely, and you'll notice how Mauve employs hatching and short, broken lines to suggest the density of the foliage. Patches of darker tones create a sense of depth, while the more delicate, lighter areas give the impression of sunlight catching on the tips of the grass. This work engages with the concept of 'nature' itself. Through the use of visible strokes, Mauve reminds us that this is not a direct reflection but an artistic interpretation. The sketchiness invites the viewer to complete the image in their minds, to co-create the landscape. This interplay between representation and abstraction destabilizes traditional landscape art. The seemingly simple scene becomes a meditation on seeing, perception, and the artist's hand.