Schetsboek met 34 bladen c. 1876 - 1888

Curator: This is Anton Mauve’s “Sketchbook with 34 Leaves,” dating from approximately 1876 to 1888. It's part of the Rijksmuseum collection, and includes drawings in mixed media on paper, primarily watercolors and drawings. Editor: Ooh, a sketchbook. It feels like a little portal, a tiny universe tucked between those covers. The texture of the cover is amazing—kind of a speckled crimson? It makes me want to know what secrets it holds! Curator: Exactly! These sketchbooks provide insight into Mauve’s working process, how he developed ideas for larger paintings. The landscape drawings are fascinating because they reflect the popularity of the Hague School. Editor: Landcapes, you say? Tell me more. Are they just pretty pictures, or is there something else going on? Curator: While visually pleasing, the landscapes hold deeper societal context, representing the shift from rural to industrial, capturing the disappearing beauty of nature amid urbanization. Mauve wasn't simply painting pretty scenery; he was commenting on the transformation of Dutch society. Editor: So, kind of a visual elegy? I’m also drawn to how personal a sketchbook is. Did he ever imagine folks would pore over these pages over a century later? Makes me feel like I’m peeking over his shoulder, witnessing a moment of pure, unfiltered inspiration. A secret glimpse into the mind of an artist. Curator: Precisely. They give us invaluable insights into artistic circles in the late 19th century as it became increasingly focused on capturing fleeting impressions of nature, influencing and inspired by international trends like Impressionism, while dealing with a burgeoning art market. Editor: Gosh. This tiny book suddenly seems very monumental. Almost feels like holding a little piece of history. The weight of art! Thank you for giving these old things some renewed context! Curator: Thank you for your amazing sensibility; bringing history to life and appreciating how sketchbooks allow us to connect with the artist in an intimate way, it certainly has the power to remind us to appreciate the past.