Bos 1856

This pencil drawing, titled 'Bos' meaning 'Woods' was made by Maria Vos. Vos lived during a time when women's roles in society were narrowly defined, and pursuing a career as an artist was an act of defiance. 'Bos' invites us into the quiet solitude of the woods, a space where societal expectations fade away, and one can connect with the natural world. The soft gradations of pencil on paper capture the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. The choice of such a subject reflects a desire to represent nature in a way that defies traditional landscape painting. It moves away from the grand, heroic landscapes often associated with male artists, and instead offers an intimate, personal view of nature. Vos lived a secluded life, so it's tempting to see this piece as an expression of her own sense of being an outsider. 'Bos' stands as a testament to Vos’s artistic vision and her quiet rebellion against the constraints of her time.