Boerderij te Eext, Drenthe 1755 - 1818

This watercolor and pen drawing of a farmhouse in Drenthe was made by Egbert van Drielst in the late 18th or early 19th century. The materials here are simple, but expressive: paper, watercolor, and ink. The light washes of color and delicate pen lines allow Drielst to capture the texture of the thatched roof and the rough-hewn wood of the farmhouse. The social significance lies in Drielst’s choice of subject. Farmhouses like these were common in the Dutch countryside, and this drawing reflects a growing interest in rural life and labor. By depicting this humble scene, Drielst elevates the everyday and invites us to appreciate the simple beauty of the Dutch countryside. The drawing reminds us that art is not just about grand subjects and historical events, but also about the quiet moments and ordinary places that make up our lives.