Artwork

Tow path

Tow path, by Jacob Maris, oil, 1898
Tow path, by Jacob Maris, oil, 1898

Tow path is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jacob Maris. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

By focusing on the horse and the path used for towing boats, the work illustrates the relationship between equestrian activity and the landscape.

Jacob Maris's 1894 oil painting, Tow path, is a landscape work that depicts a specific rural scene featuring a towpath, a horse, and the surrounding natural environment. The composition includes elements such as trees, clouds, and the sky, capturing the atmospheric conditions typical of the genre. By focusing on the horse and the path used for towing boats, the work illustrates the relationship between equestrian activity and the landscape.

The painting represents a moment of daily life and labor within a natural setting, emphasizing the integration of human and animal movement into the broader environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1894, Tow Path is an oil painting on canvas by Jacob Maris. The work measures 50 cm in height and 79.5 cm in width. Stylistically, it functions as a landscape depicting a towpath scene that includes a horse, trees, and a sky filled with clouds.

The composition focuses on equestrian elements within a natural setting, characteristic of Maris's approach to the genre during this period.

History & Provenance

Jacob Maris created the oil painting Tow path in 1894. The work, executed in oil on canvas, measures 50 by 79.5 centimeters and depicts a landscape scene featuring a towpath, a horse, and sky elements. Historical records indicate that the painting was once owned by Jean Charles Joseph Drucker. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

Overview

Jacob Maris, a prominent figure of the Hague School, completed Tow Path in 1898. This oil painting exemplifies his focus on the Dutch landscape, capturing its distinctive atmosphere and rural character. The work features a solitary horse and rider set against an expansive sky, reflecting Maris's interest in depicting everyday scenes with a sense of quiet contemplation. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum collection.

Towpath
Towpath, Jacob Maris

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Maris

Artist

Jacob Maris

Jacob Henricus Maris (August 25, 1837 – August 7, 1899) was a Dutch painter, who with his brothers Willem and Matthijs belonged to what has come to be known as the Hague School of painters.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Tow path?

Tow path was painted by Jacob Maris in 1894-01-01.

Where can I see Tow path?

Tow path is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Tow path?

Tow path is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Tow path?

Museum-quality prints of Tow path are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.