Aardappelrooier c. 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this drawing, "Potato Harvester," using pencil on paper. Mauve’s work emerged during a period of significant social change, when industrialization transformed the Netherlands and altered traditional rural life. Here, a lone figure labors in the field, embodying the hardscrabble existence of rural workers. The image resonates with the broader artistic movement of Realism, which sought to depict life as it was, particularly the lives of the working class. As you observe the bent posture and worn clothing of the figure, consider the intersection of class and labor. Mauve captures a sense of dignity, but also the physical toll of this labor. The muted palette further underscores the stark realities of rural life, reflecting the economic hardships faced by many during this period. Consider, too, how Mauve, as an artist, was a participant in a changing social landscape and the artistic strategies he chose to represent it.