Landschap met bomen 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this landscape drawing with trees using graphite on paper. The marks are quick, energetic, and raw, more about the artist's perception of form than a realistic rendering of trees. Mauve has used the material of graphite to its full potential here. Notice the way the side of the graphite stick is used to create broad, shaded areas, while the point makes sharp, decisive lines. The texture of the paper also plays a role; its tooth grabs the graphite, creating a slightly rough, broken surface, that is visually dynamic. Drawings like this were a foundation for Mauve's painting practice. He was part of the Hague School, artists who focused on rural landscapes and everyday life. His works often touched upon themes of labor and the relationship between people and the land. This sketch gives us insight into Mauve's artistic process, a glimpse into how he saw and interpreted the world around him. It is a beautiful reminder that art-making is as much about the act of creation as it is about the final product.