Landschap met struiken 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created "Landschap met struiken," or Landscape with Shrubs, with graphite in the late 19th century. Mauve was a leading artist in the Hague School, a group of Dutch realist painters who sought to capture the natural world and rural life. In this sketch we see a seemingly simple landscape. But, in the context of the late 1800's, these landscapes were a statement of cultural identity. After a long period of Dutch art focusing on historical and international themes, artists like Mauve turned their attention to the Dutch landscape. There was a drive to depict the authenticity of the Netherlands, and the serene realism of Mauve's landscapes evokes a deep connection to the land. Mauve, through his art, invites a dialogue between the viewer and the environment. It’s an intimate portrayal that reflects a wider search for cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.