Studies 1834 - 1906

Maria Vos made this study in the Netherlands in the late 19th century, using graphite on paper. It appears to be a practice sheet, maybe a preparatory work for another composition, as suggested by its title. While we are unable to know the specific intention behind this sketch, we can consider the status of women artists in the Netherlands at the time. Though excluded from official art academies, they could still receive training in private studios and women-only art schools. Looking at the circumstances of the artist is central to understanding her work. Vos had the advantage of family connections and it seems likely that she received instruction from her older sister, also an artist. We could consult historical archives, such as the Netherlands Institute for Art History, to learn more about Vos's life, career, and social networks. This would help us better understand the social conditions that enabled her artistic production. By considering the wider social and institutional context, we can appreciate art not as an isolated creation, but as a product of its time.