De melkbocht 1870 - 1888

"De melkbocht" (The Milk Bend) is an oil-on-canvas painting by Anton Mauve, a prominent Dutch artist, known for his realistic depictions of rural life. The painting, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases Mauve's mastery of depicting light and atmosphere, capturing the serene beauty of the Dutch countryside. It depicts a shepherd standing near a fence, overseeing a herd of cows, capturing a simple yet captivating moment of daily life in 19th-century Netherlands. This artwork is a prime example of the Dutch Realist movement, focused on portraying everyday life and landscapes in a realistic and often sentimental way.