Boerderij in Eursinge bij Westerbork te Drente 1861 - 1868

This landscape, "Boerderij in Eursinge bij Westerbork te Drente," was drawn by Willem Roelofs. The drawing captures a scene of rural life in the Netherlands, offering a glimpse into the cultural and social context of the time. Roelofs, who lived from 1822, was part of a generation grappling with rapid industrialization and urbanization, and he turned instead to the countryside. This drawing presents a farm with a traditional thatched roof, a haystack, and a horse-drawn cart. The choice of subject reflects a nostalgic view of agrarian life, one that was increasingly at odds with the changing realities of Dutch society. What are we to make of this romantic portrayal? Does it accurately portray the lives of rural Dutch people? The image prompts us to consider the complex relationships between identity, place, and progress in the 19th century.