Schets van kalveren en landschap 1867 - 1923

This is a pencil drawing titled "Schets van kalveren en landschap" made by George Hendrik Breitner, now held in the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The drawing depicts a group of calves in a landscape, rendered with quick, impressionistic lines. The sketch-like quality, emphasizes the fleeting, everyday moments of rural life. Made in the Netherlands, it reflects the country's deep connection to its agricultural landscape, a vital part of its cultural and economic identity. Breitner's choice to depict this scene is telling. During this period, there was a growing interest in representing the lives of ordinary people, moving away from the grand historical or mythological themes that had dominated earlier art. To fully appreciate this work, we can delve into archives of Dutch art, social histories, and exhibition records. This reveals the web of cultural values and artistic conventions that shaped both its creation and reception.