Landschap met boer die koeien melkt 1803 - 1841

This small print was made by Johannes van Cuylenburgh in the early 19th century, using etching. That's an intaglio process, where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, leaving a surface that can be inked and printed. Look closely, and you’ll see the incredible detail he was able to achieve, with the thinnest of lines creating the illusion of tone and texture. The bucolic scene feels calm and unhurried, yet this image is really about the material realities of rural life. Consider the labor involved in milking those cows, of farming the land and maintaining the animals, of printing the artwork for distribution. Cuylenburgh has captured a scene of everyday work, elevated by his skill. Etching was a reproductive medium, meaning that prints could be made in multiples. This made art more accessible to a broader audience. So, think about the social context that made this possible, and how this print challenged traditional hierarchies of art and craft.