Herdersspel 1771 - 1789

This print, called “Herdersspel”, was made by an anonymous artist, using etching. It presents us with an elaborate Rococo cartouche, decorated with pastoral symbols. At its center, an oval frame encloses an infant, posed like a small god, holding a staff and scythe. The image might seem like simple bucolic decoration, but it's worth considering how the print engages with the cultural and social values of its time. Made in the Netherlands, the print is titled both "Pastorale" and "Schäferspiel", suggesting a connection to both French and German theatrical traditions of pastoral plays, popular among aristocratic audiences. Such art forms often presented an idealized view of rural life, far removed from the realities of the working class. To understand this image fully, we might delve into the history of pastoral theater, looking at play scripts, costume designs, and audience reception, considering how these performances shaped ideas about class, labor, and leisure. The historian helps us see art as part of a wider cultural conversation.