Landscape with Farmstead c. 1840 - 1890

Johannes Warnardus Bilders made this oil on canvas called 'Landscape with Farmstead'. While the date of the piece is unknown, the image and style reflects the mid-19th century Dutch art scene, during which artists turned away from historical and mythological subjects, instead focusing on everyday life and the natural world. Here, the picturesque landscape is not simply a backdrop but the main subject of the painting. Made during the period of the Hague School, Bilders’ painting connects to a broader artistic movement that reacted to the rapid industrialization of the Netherlands. The Hague School painters sought to capture the authentic, rural character of the Dutch landscape and its people. The art market and exhibition culture played a crucial role in shaping the popularity and development of this style, which was favored by middle-class patrons who wanted to celebrate the Dutch countryside. The Rijksmuseum's collection and archives can give further historical context to this artwork.