Tyrolean Farmer 

Franz von Defregger painted this image of a ‘Tyrolean Farmer’ in the late 19th or early 20th century. The painting presents us with a carefully constructed image of rural life, which was then undergoing rapid change due to industrialization and urbanization. Defregger was part of a broader movement interested in celebrating regional identity and folklore. The image is idealized, the farmer is strong and wise. The traditional Tyrolean clothing that he wears evokes a sense of cultural pride and authenticity. Defregger's work can be seen as a response to the social and economic disruptions of his time. The study of history allows us to investigate the ways in which art reflects, reinforces, or challenges social norms and power structures. By consulting historical documents, such as census records, newspapers, and exhibition reviews, we can better understand the meaning and significance of artworks within their original contexts.