Heuvellandschap met een meer 1833 - 1879

César de Cock created this landscape with a lake using etching, a printmaking technique. De Cock lived during a time of significant social change, marked by the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and evolving class structures. In the art world, there was a shift away from the traditional, idealized landscapes toward more realistic and intimate portrayals of nature. With its serene portrayal, this work reflects a reverence for nature, perhaps as an escape from the industrialized landscape. The etching technique allows for fine lines, giving a sense of depth to the scene. But this is no simple objective recording of a scene. In its aesthetic choices, the artwork presents a very particular vision of nature. The landscape is tidy, harmonious and empty of the realities of labor. It’s a romanticized scene of nature that offers an imagined escape from the complexities of modern life.