Staande koe, met melkemmer en melkkrukje 1823

Editor: We're looking at Jean Bernard's "Standing Cow, with Milk Bucket and Milking Stool," a pencil drawing from 1823 held at the Rijksmuseum. It feels quite simple and unassuming, almost like a fleeting glimpse of rural life. What do you make of it? Curator: It is seemingly simple, yet consider the social context of 1823. The rising urban centers created a yearning for the idealized countryside, often excluding the harsh realities of agrarian life. Drawings like this gained popularity not just for their artistic merit but for how they visually reinforced emerging societal narratives. Think of it: Who was buying these drawings? How did they perceive the rural population? Editor: That's a good point. So, you're saying this drawing is as much about what it omits, as what it shows? Curator: Precisely. Where are the signs of struggle? The poverty that was prevalent among farming communities? This "realism" selectively captures a peaceful image, appealing to the sensibilities of a growing middle class removed from the actual labor. Do you notice any artistic choices which contribute to this romanticized view? Editor: Well, the light is quite even, there are no harsh shadows. The cow seems content, almost placid, and it's a very clean composition. Curator: Exactly! Now consider how the institution of the museum, the Rijksmuseum, perpetuates this image today. Who is coming here and experiencing this artwork, and how do their socio-economic backgrounds shape their viewing of such a subject matter? Editor: I hadn't considered the role of the museum in shaping our perception. It definitely makes me think about the hidden narratives within seemingly straightforward images. Curator: That's the beauty of art history! It compels us to look beyond the surface and examine the intricate web of power, culture, and representation embedded within art. It truly shows how powerful seemingly simple drawings can be. Editor: Absolutely, thank you, I'll never look at a pastoral scene quite the same way again.