Landschap bij Nijmegen 1861 - 1904

Théophile de Bock made this sketch titled, "Landschap bij Nijmegen," or "Landscape near Nijmegen," with pencil on paper. Though undated, we know de Bock was active as an artist in the Netherlands in the late 19th century. De Bock was a member of the Hague School, a group of artists known for their realistic depictions of the Dutch landscape, often focusing on scenes of rural life and the working class. The Hague School artists were reacting against the academic style of painting that was popular at the time, which they felt was too artificial and detached from reality. Instead, they sought to capture the everyday experiences of ordinary people. Here, de Bock's choice of subject matter and style aligns with the Hague School's interest in portraying the authentic beauty of the Dutch countryside. As historians, we consult archives, exhibition catalogs, and period writings to better understand the artistic movements of the time and their relationship to broader cultural and social contexts.