Boom en struiken 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing of trees and shrubs with graphite on paper. It might seem like a simple sketch, yet consider the nature of graphite itself. Graphite is a form of carbon, extracted from the earth and processed into a form that can leave a mark. Here, Mauve used it to quickly capture the essence of the natural world, the marks embodying the texture and form of trees. Look closely, and you’ll see how the varying pressure and angle of the graphite creates depth, suggesting the play of light and shadow on the foliage. The artist has expertly exploited the inherent qualities of the material, its capacity for both delicate lines and bold strokes. This modest drawing speaks volumes about the relationship between artist, material, and the natural world, and also, the economic forces that made this possible. Mauve was part of a circle of artists for whom working in ‘plain air’ was important; we should remember that even this approach to nature involved an industrial supply chain. In the end, this work shows how even the simplest of materials can be used to create something beautiful and evocative.