Landschap met boerderij bij een plas 1870 - 1903

Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch painted this landscape with a farm near a pool using oil on canvas. Weissenbruch was a prominent figure in the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who reacted against the academic style and instead embraced a more naturalistic, atmospheric approach. In the late 19th century, the Netherlands was undergoing significant social and economic changes. The art world was becoming more professionalized, with artists seeking recognition through exhibitions and sales. Weissenbruch's choice of subject matter reflects a nostalgia for rural life, which was rapidly disappearing due to industrialization and urbanization. The muted tones and soft brushwork evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. But it is crucial to remember the socio-economic context in which it was made. By studying the history of the Hague School and the social conditions of the time, we can better understand the cultural significance of Weissenbruch's work.