Boerderij 1913 - 1917

Curator: Immediately, I’m struck by the rustic charm and simplicity of this scene. There’s a raw, almost primal quality to the sketch. Editor: Yes, "Boerderij," created between 1913 and 1917 by Alexander Shilling, is a rather evocative piece. Done with pencil and pen on paper, it's a quick study of a farmhouse, likely from his sketchbook. Shilling's work often reflects his interest in capturing everyday scenes, particularly landscapes, as a means of commenting on rural life during a time of significant social change. Curator: The thick, almost chaotic lines used for the trees contrast sharply with the more controlled strokes that define the farmhouse itself. To me, this evokes the power and resilience of nature versus the vulnerability of human-made structures. Is that overreaching? Editor: Not at all. The contrast you’ve observed speaks to the underlying symbolism often found in landscape art. The house, or shelter, represents order and civilization, but is threatened by the surrounding untamed wilderness. Note how the thatched roof droops low; it feels heavy and worn. Curator: Precisely! The way the lines are layered hints at the passage of time, the wear and tear on the building. And the lack of human figures reinforces this idea of nature’s dominance. Were farmhouses common subjects at this time? Editor: Farmhouses and rural landscapes, in general, held considerable significance. Artists turned to them partly in reaction to rapid industrialization, idealizing a simpler, agrarian past. Think of the rise of populist movements then; a potent symbol of national identity lay rooted in the land and the way of life attached. Shilling would have certainly been aware of this artistic and social climate. Curator: So, seeing the sketch not just as a quick impression, but as a conscious engagement with prevalent ideas adds another layer of interpretation. Thanks, I find these contextual details give the imagery additional emotional weight. Editor: My pleasure. It reminds us how even a seemingly simple sketch can hold profound connections to history and collective memory.