Rivierlandschap bij Abcoude c. 1846 - 1867

Alexander Mollinger made this pen drawing, titled *River Landscape near Abcoude*, in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. The simple scene depicts a tranquil landscape with a windmill in the distance, some cattle, trees, and a body of water in the foreground. It evokes a sense of peace and simplicity, characteristics of the Dutch countryside. This drawing provides a window into the social and cultural values of the Netherlands during that era. The Dutch Golden Age had long passed, but a sense of national pride in the land and its traditions remained strong. Artists frequently depicted rural scenes like this one to celebrate the beauty of their homeland and its agricultural heritage. The presence of the windmill symbolizes Dutch ingenuity and the ongoing struggle against the sea, while the cattle represent the country's thriving agricultural economy. By studying historical documents, letters, and other primary sources, we can better understand the context in which Mollinger created this drawing. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context, after all.