Koeien naast een rij bomen c. 1876 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this sketch, Cows Beside a Row of Trees, using graphite pencil on paper. The simplicity of the materials belies their significance. Mauve's choice of graphite—a readily available, relatively inexpensive material—mirrors the accessibility of his subject matter: the everyday pastoral life of the Dutch countryside. The sketch, quickly executed with loose, fluid lines, suggests a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the scene. The texture of the paper adds depth to the drawing, catching the graphite in its fibers, and softening the starkness of the lines. This work speaks to a broader artistic movement that elevated the common and the local. By focusing on the humble beauty of cows grazing near trees, Mauve democratizes art, making it accessible to all.