Schaapskudde op een hei 1848 - 1888

This sketch of a 'Schaapskudde op een hei' or 'Flock of Sheep in a Meadow' was drawn by Anton Mauve in the Netherlands, sometime in the mid to late 19th century. Mauve was part of the Hague School, a group of Dutch realist artists who chose to depict everyday scenes, like this one, focusing on landscapes and rural life. At the time, the Netherlands was undergoing industrialization, and many artists were reacting against the changes by romanticizing the countryside. The art market had a big influence on the Hague School. They were supported by wealthy collectors who liked realistic, but also idealized, views of Dutch landscapes. In this light, Mauve's sketch can be seen as a reflection of the values of his time. It shows a longing for a simpler way of life. To fully understand this work, we can research into the history of Dutch art institutions at the time and the social context of the Hague School. This helps us better understand the meaning of the art.