Landschap met bomen 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this landscape with trees in the Netherlands using pencil, pen and brush in brown ink, and grey wash on paper. The magic of this simple drawing resides in the balance between the directness of the materials and the atmospheric effect achieved. Mauve masterfully exploits the inherent qualities of the ink and wash, achieving a depth that transcends the simple lines and strokes. The paper itself also plays a part, its absorbent surface allowing the wash to subtly diffuse, creating soft edges and a sense of natural light and shadow. The speed of this medium may relate to the wider economic context, allowing for greater artistic freedom in terms of experimentation and production, and to his commitment to *en plein air* style. The landscape genre was increasingly popular at this time due to the rise of industrialization and urbanization. Artists found solace in portraying untouched nature and its open landscapes, subtly alluding to wider social issues of labor and the environment. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us of the profound impact that material and process have on the meaning of a work of art, and how this landscape's meaning is inextricably linked to its creation.