Wolken c. 1863 - 1864

Maria Vos made this sketch of clouds with graphite on paper. As an artist working in the Netherlands during the 19th century, Vos navigated a male-dominated art world where women were often relegated to specific genres. Cloud studies like this one, although seemingly apolitical, allowed artists a space for experimentation with light and atmosphere without engaging directly in social commentary, which was often fraught for women artists. Was Vos, through these atmospheric studies, subtly critiquing the limitations placed upon her artistic expression? To better understand Vos's intentions, we can look to personal letters, exhibition reviews, and the records of the art institutions she engaged with. Art history is not just about aesthetics but also about understanding the conditions in which art is produced and received.