Landschap met herderin en hond bij kudde schapen 1822 - 1885

Simon van den Berg created this drawing of a shepherdess and her sheep in the Netherlands, sometime in the mid-19th century. Here, the rural landscape embodies a sense of tranquility. But it also subtly reflects the social and economic transformations of the time. The image invokes a deliberately nostalgic view of rural life. It presents an idealized vision that downplays the hardships faced by agricultural workers. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant changes. Urbanization and industrialization were becoming more pronounced. Images like these served to reinforce traditional values. They also provided a comforting contrast to the rapidly changing social landscape. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a role in shaping cultural memory. By displaying works like this, the museum influences how we understand the Netherlands' past. Historical resources, such as agricultural records and social surveys, help to illuminate the complex realities behind idyllic scenes. These sources add depth to our understanding of art's role in reflecting and shaping social attitudes.