Bomen c. 1876 - 1879

Anton Mauve created "Bomen," or "Trees," with pen and brush in the Netherlands at an unknown date. The image presents a minimalist landscape where the barest sketch of trees evokes a sense of nature. Mauve was associated with the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists working in the late 19th century. The Hague School artists rejected the grand, historical themes of earlier art in favor of simple, rural scenes, aiming to depict the everyday life and landscapes of the Netherlands. The art market for landscapes was growing in the Netherlands at this time as the public's desire for a national art identity grew. Mauve's drawing reflects this by capturing the quiet beauty of the Dutch countryside. We can study the letters between artists and dealers, art criticism, and exhibition records to develop a deeper appreciation for the artwork and the social conditions that made it possible. The value of art lies in its dependence on social and institutional contexts.