Landschap 1846 - 1867

Alexander Mollinger made this landscape drawing with pen in the mid-19th century. Mollinger, working within the tradition of Dutch landscape art, presents us with a scene that is both familiar and deeply coded with the values of his time. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and economic changes. The representation of the landscape wasn’t just about capturing its physical appearance; it was also about expressing ideas of national identity, ownership, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Notice how the drawing seems to invite you into a serene space, but also subtly reminds you of the human presence and its impact on the land. Mollinger's choice to depict grazing animals might reflect the economic importance of agriculture in the Netherlands, highlighting the way land was perceived as a resource. It reflects a moment in time when the Netherlands was actively shaping its identity, torn between celebrating its rural roots and embracing industrial progress.