Et studekøretøj. Igennem krattet. Hammerum Herred 1884 - 1889

Hans Smidth made this drawing, 'A Bullock Cart. Through the Thickets. Hammerum District', with pen and ink. This artwork offers a glimpse into rural life, likely in Denmark during the late 19th century. The scene depicts a family in a bullock cart, surrounded by thickets, suggesting a journey through a less developed area. Smidth's choice to depict this subject matter speaks to broader trends in European art, where there was growing interest in the lives of ordinary people, rather than focusing on historical or mythological themes. This interest was partly driven by social and political changes, including the rise of nationalism and the growing awareness of social inequalities. Institutions like the Statens Museum for Kunst played a role in shaping artistic tastes and promoting certain kinds of art. Was Smidth commenting on the social structures of his time? Perhaps, he was participating in a romantic vision of rural life that overlooked the hardships faced by many in the countryside. To understand this artwork better, we might look into the history of rural Denmark, its social and economic structures, and the art institutions that shaped the artistic landscape of the time. Art is contingent on social and institutional context.