Wandelaar op de Amstelveense Weg 1798

Jan Evert Grave made this watercolor of the Amstelveen Road in the Netherlands sometime in the late 18th century. It depicts a solitary figure walking along a tree-lined path, his dog at his heels. Grave was working during a time of great political and social change in Europe. The Dutch Republic was in decline, and the ideals of the Enlightenment were spreading throughout the continent. This work, with its emphasis on the individual and the beauty of the natural world, reflects these trends. The solitary figure can be read as an emblem of the independent citizen, while the idyllic landscape evokes a sense of harmony and order. As art historians, we can learn more about this artwork by examining the cultural and institutional context in which it was produced. By consulting historical documents, period writings and artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. Art is always contingent on its own time.