Landscape near Vourlis c. 1830

Antoine Jean Duclaux made this drawing, "Landscape near Vourlis," using graphite and white chalk on brown paper. Duclaux was working in the tradition of landscape painting that became increasingly popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. This art was often commissioned by wealthy landowners as a way of commemorating and celebrating their estates. But here, the muted tones and stark depiction of the landscape might suggest a more ambivalent relationship to the land. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, such as the relatively bare landscape and the absence of human figures. We know that it was made in France. To understand the social conditions that shaped artistic production, it might be helpful to look at documents, such as letters, diaries, and financial records to understand his place in French society. Ultimately, the meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.