Landschap met hut 1811 - 1867

Christiaan Wilhelmus Moorrees made this landscape drawing with graphite, but the date is unknown. Moorrees was part of a society of Dutch artists in the 19th century who ventured outdoors to capture the Dutch landscape, prioritizing direct engagement with nature. This drawing invites us to consider the concept of ‘landscape’ itself. It is not simply a neutral depiction of nature, but a cultural construct reflecting societal values and power dynamics. In Moorrees’ time, landscape art often served to express national identity and pride, particularly in the wake of political and social upheaval. Who is allowed to be in the landscape, and how is the land itself being used? What is concealed within the landscape? The lone hut hints at the lives of those who lived and worked on the land. In this light, Moorrees’ drawing becomes more than just a picturesque scene; it becomes a meditation on the relationship between people, place, and nation.