Planten 1834 - 1906

Maria Vos made this sketch of plants in the Netherlands at some point during her lifetime, likely using graphite on paper. It gives us an intimate peek into the artistic process of a 19th-century woman artist. During this period, art academies were becoming more open to women, but social expectations still confined them largely to domestic scenes and subjects like landscapes or, indeed, plant studies. Vos, however, defied these norms and distinguished herself as a still life painter. Looking at this sketch, we see the careful observation and attention to detail that would characterize her more finished works. Sketches like these were an important step, a way of understanding the natural world that was so prized during this period. Understanding Vos's art requires attention to archival material and the social history of art institutions in the Netherlands. This enables us to appreciate both her artistic skill and the social context in which she worked.