Zelfportret van Louis Apol met scheepshond Sailor c. 1880 - 1887

Louis Apol created this self-portrait with his ship dog Sailor as a graphite sketch in the Netherlands. The drawing is part of a sketchbook and shows the artist holding an album under his arm. Apol was known for his winter landscapes, a popular genre in the Netherlands, particularly amongst the Hague School of artists. The Hague School, active from about 1860 to 1890, rejected the romanticism of previous generations, advocating for realism and a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people. While the sketchbook format suggests intimacy and personal reflection, it also shows the self-consciousness of the artist who is preparing to go out into the world to work. Apol presents himself as ready to capture the beauty and reality of the Dutch landscape. To fully appreciate this drawing, consider researching the role of the Hague School in shaping Dutch national identity and its influence on later generations of artists. This artwork, and others like it, are invaluable resources for understanding the intersection of art, culture, and society.