Kudde schapen bij een groep bomen 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve made this work, "Kudde schapen bij een groep bomen" – or "Flock of Sheep by a Group of Trees" – with graphite on paper. Mauve painted in the Netherlands during a time when the country was looking back to its rural roots, with artists often focusing on landscapes and scenes of everyday peasant life. This drawing reflects that interest. Here, the image creates meaning through its focus on a simple, pastoral scene. The sheep clustered under the trees offer a sense of the Dutch relationship with nature, where the land is worked, but also a source of solace. Mauve belonged to the Hague School, which was influenced by the Barbizon School in France. Both of these art movements emphasized painting outdoors to capture the true colors and atmosphere of nature. They tended to focus on landscapes with dark tones and loose brushwork. Understanding the context in which artists like Mauve were working helps us understand the social values of the time. We can look at exhibition reviews, letters from artists, and other historical documents to gain insight. In this way, the meaning of the art becomes clear.