Boerenuitspanning te Overveen 1774 - 1808

Franciscus Andreas Milatz created this watercolor drawing, Boerenuitspanning te Overveen, using watercolor and pencil. The quick application of the paint suggests that the artist captured an impression of the rural Dutch landscape. The watery consistency of watercolor paint renders soft edges and subtle gradations, evoking a sense of atmosphere. Note how the loose strokes of pencil and wash create the impression of thatched roofs, wooden buildings, and leafy trees. This would have been a time-consuming process involving the preparation of paper, mixing of pigments, and skilled application of washes. The materiality of the artwork is intrinsically linked to its social context; watercolor painting was a popular pastime among the middle classes. Ultimately, this artwork blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft. The skillful handling of materials transforms an everyday scene into a work of art, while the subject matter reflects an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the value of rural life.