The week of sheep on Livemaster is coming. Let's meet a talented animalist, a realist artist, born in the Netherlands.

Anton Rudolf Mauve (18 September 1838; Zaandam, the Netherlands -- 5 February 1888; Arnhem, the Netherlands) studied painting with Peter Frederick van Osa, not a very famous animal painter. During training, Mauve often painted various pets. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of his works depict people and animals in nature (for example, a shepherd with a herd of sheep).

Mauve paintings have a special atmosphere, details, complex colors. They make you feel time of the year, the weather depicted at work, the mood. You want to look at his paintings for a long time. Not for nothing the artist is considered one of the best watercolorists of the Hague school (artists` community of 2nd half of 19th century in the Netherlands).

His most famous paintings depict peasants working in the fields. His paintings with herds of sheep were very popular among American patrons. The talent of this artist was recognized during his lifetime, his paintings were not cheap.

Currently, many of the artist's works are stored outside the country, in private collections and museums.

Interesting fact: the artist was related to Van Gogh (with whom he became related after marrying his cousin). As an exception, he taught him watercolor painting. But, unfortunately, watercolor was not student`s vocation. The roads of artists did not go on the best note, because of different views on art. However, in 1888 Mauve died at the age of 49. And Van Gogh, shocked by his death, dedicated "Peach Tree in Blossom" to him.