Voorjaar 1886

Richard Lorenz created this print called ‘Voorjaar,’ the Dutch word for Spring, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this period, there was growing artistic interest in rural life and landscapes across Europe. This etching offers a glimpse into the agrarian world, but also touches on class and labor. The workers in the fields, their figures small against the vastness of the land, remind us of the hierarchies inherent in agricultural life. The unease one might feel viewing this landscape is heightened by the somber, almost monochromatic palette. It’s as if the artist asks us to consider not just the beauty of the countryside, but also the social realities embedded within it. While the artwork doesn’t explicitly challenge traditional representations, it subtly introduces alternative narratives by prompting viewers to question the lived experiences behind seemingly idyllic scenes.