Herder met een schaapskudde in een landschap 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing of a shepherd with a flock of sheep in a landscape using graphite. Mauve’s work speaks to the 19th-century art world's interest in rural life. This image creates meaning through its subject, showing the traditional agricultural practices of the time. Made in the Netherlands, Mauve's work reflects the cultural and economic importance of farming. During the 19th century, there was a growing movement towards realism in art, and artists began to depict everyday scenes and the lives of ordinary people. Landscapes and pastoral scenes were a prominent feature of Dutch art, reflecting a connection to the land and a sense of national identity. To fully appreciate Mauve's art, you should research the social and economic conditions of the Netherlands during the 19th century. Understanding the institutional context, such as the art academies and salons of the time, can also provide insights into the artist's choices and the reception of his work.