Boerderij 1864 - 1936

Jan van Essen made this drawing, titled 'Boerderij', using graphite. The quiet image presents a seemingly simple scene of rural life. The drawing depicts a farmhouse with a thatched roof, surrounded by trees and a field. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a growing interest in representing rural life in art, capturing a sense of authenticity and connection to nature. The identity of the artist, Jan van Essen, is intertwined with the social and cultural context of the time. While the artwork is quiet in its rendering of the Dutch landscape, it is also a reminder of the Netherlands' complex history that can be found in its countryside, where industrial developments challenged the traditional agricultural lifestyle. 'Boerderij' invites us to appreciate the beauty of the everyday and reflect on the ever-changing relationship between humanity and the natural world.