Landschap met schapen 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this delicate pencil drawing, "Landschap met schapen" - or "Landscape with Sheep" - during the late 19th century. Mauve lived during a period of significant social and economic change, and his work often reflects the shifting relationship between people and the land. The rural landscape and the depiction of the laboring class are central to the work, yet the drawing does not romanticize rural life. Rather, it offers a glimpse into the everyday existence of those who lived and worked in the countryside. The sheep, huddled together in the field, become a symbol of vulnerability. In this historical period, sheep farming was crucial to the economy, but also came with its own set of challenges and hardships. Mauve's drawing invites us to reflect on our relationship with the land and the ways in which our lives are intertwined with the natural world. It gently reminds us of the importance of empathy and connection.