Koe in een weiland c. 1876 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this sketch of a cow in a meadow, a "Koe in een weiland," using graphite on paper. Mauve was a leading figure in the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists active in the late 19th century. This drawing shows the artist's interest in capturing the rural landscapes and everyday life of the Netherlands, and the relationship between the art world and the booming Dairy Industry. The loose, sketchy style of this drawing aligns with the Hague School's emphasis on capturing the atmospheric effects of light and shadow. Mauve, like many of his contemporaries, sought to represent the authentic experience of the Dutch countryside, rather than idealizing it. This shift in artistic focus reflects broader social and cultural changes occurring in the Netherlands at the time, as the country underwent rapid industrialization and urbanization. Understanding Mauve's work requires that we consider the social conditions that shaped its production, and also the institutions that supported and promoted it. By consulting historical archives, exhibition catalogs, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that mediate them.