Woman pulling a tow rope. verso: sketch of landscape with figures 1853 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing of a woman pulling a tow rope with graphite on paper. The choice of graphite, a humble material, lends itself to capturing everyday life, moving away from traditional, idealized subjects. The texture of the paper, though subtle, plays a key role. The graphite adheres to the fibers, creating a soft, almost hazy effect that imbues the scene with a sense of immediacy. The drawing’s rapid lines and economical use of shading capture a moment of labor, reflecting the social realities of 19th-century working women. Mauve’s work acknowledges the beauty and dignity inherent in labor. The drawing embodies the social context of its time, marking a shift towards realism and the representation of ordinary people. It blurs the line between fine art and the everyday, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of making.