Landschap met bomen en struikgewas 1834 - 1906

This landscape with trees and shrubs was drawn by Maria Vos in the 19th century with graphite on paper. During this period, women artists often navigated a complex social terrain, balancing their creative aspirations with societal expectations. Vos, who remained unmarried, dedicated herself to painting, earning recognition and financial independence through her art. Her choice to focus on still lifes and landscapes—genres considered acceptable for women—allowed her to express her artistic vision within the confines of her time. Vos's landscapes, with their atmospheric renderings, evoke a sense of intimacy, reflecting the personal connection she felt to the Dutch countryside. While landscape painting might seem neutral, for women artists it was a way of asserting their presence and perspective in a world that often confined them to domestic spaces. It’s a reminder that even the quietest of landscapes can carry the weight of personal history and social context.