Het slachten van een varken 1698 - 1776

Johannes de Groot created this etching, "Het slachten van een varken," or "The Slaughter of a Pig," sometime in the 18th century. It depicts a common scene from Dutch rural life, reflecting the economic realities of the time. The image itself creates meaning through its stark contrast of light and shadow, typical of the Dutch Golden Age. Consider how the geography of the Netherlands, with its agricultural focus, might have influenced the subject matter, and how economic structures dictated the seasonal practice of slaughtering animals for sustenance. This work contrasts with the idealized landscapes and portraits often favored by the wealthy merchant class. Through careful study of period documents and economic histories, we can interpret this image not merely as a depiction of everyday life, but as a commentary on the social fabric of 18th-century Netherlands.