Koeien in een weiland 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this pencil drawing, entitled *Cows in a Meadow*, during the second half of the 19th century. Though quickly sketched, this work touches on important trends in the art world of the Netherlands at that time. Mauve belonged to the Hague School, a group of artists who depicted rural landscapes and everyday life. The Hague School emerged as a reaction against the industrialization and urbanization of the Netherlands. Artists sought to capture the beauty and simplicity of the countryside, which they saw as threatened by modern developments. They frequently focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly farmers and fishermen. This was, in part, a reaction against the art establishment of the time. To better understand Mauve's work, we can research the social and economic conditions of the Netherlands in the 19th century. By considering the historical context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the meaning and significance of this drawing.