Houthakkers in een bos 1848 - 1888

"Houthakkers in een bos" (Woodcutters in a Forest) is a charcoal drawing by Anton Mauve, created sometime between 1848 and 1888, and currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. The sketch depicts a fleeting moment in the forest, focusing on the lower half of two woodcutters, rendered in loose strokes. The image evokes the hard labor and the atmospheric environment of the forest through Mauve's signature style. The drawing demonstrates Mauve's masterful use of charcoal to capture the essence of movement and the weight of their work.