Bergbeek tussen de rotsen c. 1836

Louis-Julien Jacottet created this detailed print, "Bergbeek tussen de rotsen", which translates to "Mountain stream between the rocks," capturing a landscape that speaks to the Romantic era's fascination with nature. Though seemingly a simple landscape, this work invites us to consider the cultural values attached to nature during the 19th century. For many, particularly those in urban environments, the natural world represented purity, freedom, and an escape from the constraints of industrial life. Think about how the Romantics, often men, depicted nature as feminine. Jacottet’s choice to depict a rugged, untamed scene—a stream cascading through rocky terrain—could be seen as a reflection of these values. Perhaps, the artist was influenced by the philosophical perspectives of his time, which often emphasized the sublime power and emotional resonance of the natural world. What feelings does this artwork evoke in you? Does it conjure a sense of peace, adventure, or something else?