Vrouw bij een wieg 1854 - 1914

Albert Neuhuys made this drawing, "Woman at a Cradle", with graphite on paper. Neuhuys belonged to the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists active from about 1860 to 1890. The Hague School's artists typically painted in a realistic style, often focusing on landscapes and scenes of everyday life. This drawing reflects an interest in the realities of rural life in the Netherlands. During the 19th century, rapid industrialization and urbanization led to significant social changes. Many artists felt compelled to document traditional ways of life. They saw rural communities as repositories of authentic Dutch culture. By portraying a woman tending to her child, Neuhuys invokes a sense of domesticity and maternal care, resonating with prevailing social values that emphasized the importance of family. To better understand this artwork, we can research the social and economic conditions in the Netherlands during the late 19th century and examine the role of art institutions and the art market in shaping artistic trends.