Italiaans landschap met geitenmelkster 1875 - 1876

Johannes Arnoldus Boland created this print, ‘Italiaans landschap met geitenmelkster’, or ‘Italian Landscape with Goat Milker’, sometime in the 19th century. This pastoral scene represents more than just a peaceful image of rural life; it reflects the social values and romanticized views of the countryside held by the urban bourgeoisie in the Netherlands at that time. Boland, trained in the Dutch tradition, likely never visited Italy, meaning that his piece evokes an idealized version of Italian life rather than a realistic depiction. During the 19th century, the rise of museums and art academies standardized artistic training and tastes, often reinforcing conservative ideals. Boland’s work, with its focus on idealized landscapes and traditional occupations, aligns with these conservative artistic preferences. To fully understand Boland’s work, we can consult period travel literature, exhibition reviews, and demographic studies. The meaning of art is always shaped by the society and institutions that support it.