Paarden bij het hek 1878

"Paarden bij het hek" (Horses by the Fence) is an oil painting by Anton Mauve, a celebrated Dutch painter known for his depictions of rural life, especially animals. Created in 1878, the painting showcases Mauve's signature style of soft, atmospheric brushstrokes and muted colors, rendering a serene scene of horses grazing by a small stream, framed by a line of trees. This piece, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Mauve's mastery of capturing the tranquility of the Dutch countryside, a theme that resonated with art enthusiasts of the time.