Rivier stromend tussen twee heuvels 1834 - 1906

Maria Vos sketched 'Rivier stromend tussen twee heuvels' using graphite, within the intimate space of a sketchbook page. Vos, born in 1824, navigated the 19th-century art world—a landscape where women artists often found themselves marginalized, celebrated for their delicate touch rather than their innovative vision. This drawing isn't just a depiction of nature; it's an assertion of presence. Vos's choice of subject—a river, a classic symbol of life's ceaseless flow—invites contemplation. What does it mean for a woman, during this period, to capture and interpret the natural world through her own lens? The act of sketching outdoors was, for women, a negotiation of social norms and expectations. Was it a rebellious act, an embrace of freedom, or both? Vos’s landscapes offer a serene escape and subtly challenge the established, often masculine, artistic norms of her time. Through her eyes, we see not just the physical world, but also the quiet strength and resilience of a woman making her mark.