Zogende geit en herderin met schapen en geiten 1828 - 1829

Joseph Louis Leborne made this print called 'Suckling Goat and Shepherdess with Sheep and Goats' sometime in the first half of the 19th century. We see two groupings of animals in an idealized pastoral scene. Images of animals, particularly farm animals, were popular during this period because they were seen as symbols of rural life and agricultural prosperity. France in the 1800s was undergoing significant social and economic changes, including the rise of industrialization and urbanization. As cities grew and factories became more prevalent, there was a sense of nostalgia for the perceived simplicity and virtue of rural life. The images created during this time were a reflection of that sentiment. Art historians might explore the economic and social conditions of rural life in 19th-century France, using sources such as agricultural reports, census data, and literary accounts. By understanding the historical context in which this print was made, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and significance.