Ruit met een fragment van een wijngaardenier 1749

This is J.J. Hoff's monochrome depiction of a vigneron, or wine grower, which was painted on glass. The cultural context of viticulture has long been associated with celebrations of labor and life. Looking closely, we see the vigneron standing in a position of labor, picking grapes. The grapes themselves symbolize abundance, as well as Bacchus, the god of wine and pleasure, and the transformation of nature into culture. The vigneron’s connection to the land is further emphasized by his humble dress, with a simple hat, tunic and boots. Yet this is also a gendered image; a man, a father, whose role in the family is to work and bring income. This artwork isn’t just about what is represented, but also about the act of representation itself. By portraying a traditional scene in monochrome, the artist may be commenting on the historical narratives around labor. Hoff also seems to be developing an alternative narrative which offers an intimate and emotional connection with the land and its traditions.