Et bondemåltid 1751 - 1817

Georg Haas created this etching called "Et bondemåltid," or "A Peasant Meal," most likely in Denmark during the late 18th or early 19th century. Here we see a group of peasants gathered around a rough table, seemingly enjoying a simple meal. Haas's choice of subject is significant. During this period, there was a growing interest in depicting the lives of ordinary people. This reflects broader social and political shifts, including the rise of Enlightenment ideals and a questioning of traditional social hierarchies. The print's creation and display also intersect with institutional histories. Art academies were becoming more established, shaping artistic taste and providing training. Prints like this would have circulated among collectors and art enthusiasts, contributing to a growing public sphere for art. To better understand this image, we might research the social and economic conditions of rural Denmark at the time, looking at how peasants were represented in literature and other visual media. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is tied to its specific historical and institutional context.