Landweg met bomen, Bussum 1886

Jan Veth made this etching, "Landweg met bomen, Bussum," without a specified date. It’s now held at the Rijksmuseum. Veth was closely tied to the cultural and intellectual circles of the Netherlands. As an art critic, he shaped the reception of art during his time, so this print gives us a glimpse into the kind of landscapes that were culturally significant. Made during a period of increasing urbanization, this image of a tree-lined path in Bussum reflects a longing for the tranquility of rural life. At the time, there was a growing awareness of the impact of industrialization on the environment, and images like this contributed to a romanticized view of the countryside. To understand the social context, exploring period publications, exhibition reviews, and the artist's correspondence will give insight into the cultural values attached to such landscapes. In its focus on the local, this etching provides valuable insight into the cultural moment in which it was made.