Opbergpot 1865 - 1913

This simple sketch of a storage jar was made by Bramine Hubrecht, a Dutch artist who lived from 1855 to 1913. Hubrecht was an active member of the Hague School, a group of artists working in the Netherlands in the late 19th century. This was a time of great social and political change, as the country was industrializing and becoming more urbanized. Many artists of the Hague School reacted to these changes by turning to the past, seeking inspiration in the Dutch Golden Age and in the rural landscapes of the Netherlands. Hubrecht's sketch reflects this interest in traditional Dutch subjects. However, her loose, informal style also suggests a modern sensibility. As historians we can look at the institutional setting of art. In the Netherlands in the late 19th century, art schools were becoming more common, and artists were increasingly being trained in academic techniques. Hubrecht's sketch may be seen as a response to this trend, as she rejects the strict rules of academic art in favor of a more personal and expressive style.