The artistic reputation of Anton Mauve was cemented by his ability to capture flocks of sheep with such precision that American art patrons developed a specific price preference for paintings of sheep moving toward the viewer versus those moving away. This Dutch realist painter significantly shaped the visual identity of the Hague School before his sudden death in 1888.
Early Development and Technical Foundation
Born in Zaandam in 1838 to Willem Carel Mauve, a Mennonite chaplain, the artist moved to Haarlem during his youth. He built his foundational skills through apprenticeships with Pieter Frederik van Os and Wouter Verschuur. His trajectory shifted significantly after collaborating with Paul Gabriël in Oosterbeek. Under the influence of contemporaries such as Jozef Israëls and Willem Maris, he moved away from the highly detailed, academic precision of his early years. He adopted a looser, more atmospheric approach characterized by a restrained palette of greys, greens, and light blues.
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By 1872, Mauve established himself in The Hague, emerging as a central figure within the Hague School of painters. His professional activities included founding the Hollandsche Teekenmaatschappij in 1876 and holding a leadership role in the Pulchri Studio. His work often depicted peasants and livestock in natural landscapes, with a commitment to realism that included such details as animal droppings in the foreground of his 1876 work, Morning Ride along the Beach. In 1874, he married Ariëtte Carbentus, and their son, also named Anton, was born in 1876.
Influence on Vincent van Gogh
Mauve acted as a mentor to his cousin-in-law, Vincent van Gogh, during the late 19th century. In late 1881, van Gogh spent three weeks working in Mauve’s studio, where he transitioned from drawing to experiments in oil and watercolor painting. Despite this initial support and financial assistance, the relationship deteriorated by May 1882. Mauve severed ties following van Gogh’s association with Clasina Maria Hornik. Despite this personal rift, van Gogh maintained professional respect for the artist and created a painting titled Souvenir de Mauve in his memory.
International Recognition and Later Years
During his final two years, Mauve lived in Laren, where he became associated with the Larense School. The surrounding region became internationally recognized as 'Mauve land.' During the American Gilded Age, his work gained significant traction among collectors and industrialists in the United States, facilitated by dealers such as M. Knoedler & Co. His paintings were acquired by major institutions, including the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mauve died unexpectedly in Arnhem on 5 February 1888 and is buried at The Hague General Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1838, Zaandam
- Died: 5 February 1888, Arnhem
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Movement: Hague School
- Spouse: Ariëtte Carbentus
- Notable Works: Morning Ride on the Beach; The milking corner; The Timber Truck
- Professional memberships: Arti et Amicitiae; Pulchri Studio
Questions readers ask
What was the nature of the professional dispute between Anton Mauve and Vincent van Gogh?
Mauve ended their association in 1882, citing van Gogh's character, likely due to van Gogh's relationship with a pregnant woman named Sien.
Where did Anton Mauve work during his career?
He lived and worked in Amsterdam, Haarlem, The Hague, Oosterbeek, and Laren.
Achievements
- Notable work: Morning Ride on the Beach
- Notable work: Launching a fishing boat (type 'Pink') in the sea
- Notable work: The milking corner.
- Movement: Hague School
