Schapenkudde op de heide bij Laren 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this watercolor, Schapenkudde op de heide bij Laren, sometime in the 19th century. Watercolor paintings have a reputation for being light, airy, and spontaneous, and the way Mauve handles the medium does nothing to dispel that idea. Look closely and you’ll see how Mauve coaxes the watery paint to evoke soft wool, dusty earth, and the hazy atmosphere of the heath. It’s a tour-de-force of technical command. But let’s also consider the context. Here is an artist, trained in the conventions of fine art, turning his attention to the rural landscape. The work idealizes the life of the shepherd and the flock, but it's important to remember that this was still a form of labor –  hard work, often performed by the most vulnerable members of society. So, while we can appreciate the delicacy of the painting, we might also reflect on the social realities it only hints at.