Schetsboek met 41 bladen c. 1863 - 1864

This sketchbook with 41 pages was made by Maria Vos, a Dutch artist, at an unknown date. Sketchbooks can offer a glimpse into the artistic process, revealing preliminary ideas and experiments that lead to finished works. But they also raise questions about the role of art institutions: How do museums shape our understanding of art by selectively displaying certain works while others remain hidden in archives? What criteria do curators use to determine which pieces are worthy of public attention? In the 19th century, the rise of art academies and formal training further influenced artistic production. Artists were increasingly expected to adhere to certain conventions and styles, which can be traced through their sketchbooks. Was Vos part of this emerging professional structure, and how did it impact her work? By examining the contents of sketchbooks like this one, along with historical documents and institutional records, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped artistic production in the past. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.