Vrouw op landweg 1864 - 1936

Jan van Essen created this pencil drawing, 'Vrouw op landweg' at an unknown date. Van Essen was an artist working in the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century. This sketch shows a woman walking on a rural road, a scene which, while appearing simple, resonates with the period’s social context. The depiction of rural life was very popular at that time and often carried social and political meaning. In the Netherlands, the late 19th century saw a renewed interest in the countryside and peasant life, often idealized as a counterpoint to increasing industrialization and urbanization. Van Essen's drawing may be seen as part of this trend, subtly commenting on the changing social landscape. Understanding this work fully involves looking into the cultural and economic conditions of the Netherlands at the time, its art institutions, and the popular imagery of rural life. This drawing serves as a reminder that art is always connected to the society that produces it.