Ploegend paard 1848 - 1888

"Ploegend paard" (Plowing Horse), a delicate pencil sketch by Anton Mauve, showcases the artist's keen eye for capturing the essence of rural life. Created between 1848 and 1888, the drawing depicts a single horse pulling a plow, its form rendered with a light touch that emphasizes movement and energy. The simplicity of the composition, with the horse as the focal point against a subtly rendered background, allows for a focus on the animal's anatomy and the effortless grace of its motion. This piece exemplifies Mauve's signature style, often found in his paintings and drawings, which celebrated the lives and labors of the Dutch peasantry. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the artist's enduring legacy.