De Zaaier, naar Millet, de bovenste helft 1849 - 1917

Matthijs Maris created this study of a sower after Millet, using chalk on paper. The upper half of the sower dominates the composition with dark hues of gray and black, creating a somber and heavy atmosphere. Maris's treatment of the subject moves beyond a mere representation of rural labor; it delves into the psychological and emotional dimensions of human existence. The figure is caught in a moment of action, yet there is a sense of timelessness, as if the act of sowing is an eternal condition. The loose and indistinct application of chalk blurs the distinction between figure and ground, enveloping the sower in an almost dreamlike state. The lack of sharp lines and clear contours dissolves the figure into the surrounding atmosphere, suggesting a fusion of man and nature. Maris uses a formal approach to explore themes of isolation, perseverance, and the cyclical nature of life. In doing so, the artwork embodies the Symbolist movement's fascination with the inner world and its rejection of materialistic values.