Koeien bij een waterplas en herderin met vee 1828 - 1829

Joseph Louis Leborne created this print, "Cows by a pool of water and shepherdess with cattle," using etching and line engraving. It offers a glimpse into 19th-century French rural life, where the economy was still largely agricultural and the art world was increasingly looking to the countryside for new subjects. The image presents an idealized view of pastoral life: animals peacefully coexisting, a young shepherdess tending her flock. These scenes weren't merely picturesque; they reflected a growing interest in the lives of ordinary people and a nostalgia for a simpler, pre-industrial existence. France at this time was undergoing significant social and economic changes, with the rise of industrialization and urbanization challenging traditional ways of life. Art historians can consult period literature, agricultural records, and social surveys to understand the full context of images like this. By understanding the social and institutional context of the artwork, we can appreciate its role in shaping cultural values and attitudes towards rural life in 19th-century France.