Koeien bij een oever 1823

Max Josef Wagenbauer created this print called ‘Cows by the shore.’ Wagenbauer, who lived from 1774 to 1829, was part of a generation deeply affected by socio-political shifts and the rise of national identities. In this scene, we observe the traditional depiction of rural life, which could be read as a commentary on the value of pastoral simplicity. The inclusion of the child herding cattle introduces themes of labor and the roles individuals play within the agricultural landscape. Wagenbauer's work reflects a longing for an idyllic past, even as industrialization began to transform society. We are left to reflect on how such images served to shape perceptions about country life, reinforcing or challenging the social structures of the time. It prompts us to consider whose stories are told and whose are left out.