Bosrand met konijnen c. 1847 - 1892

Jan Bos Wz. made this etching titled ‘Woodland Border with Rabbits’ sometime in the 19th Century. It depicts rabbits enjoying an idyllic forest clearing. In the 19th century, Dutch art began to develop its own distinct national character. After centuries of external influence, artists turned inwards, finding inspiration in the Dutch landscape and everyday life. Artists, like Bos, began to use these images to evoke a sense of national pride, celebrating the beauty of the Dutch countryside and the simple virtues of rural life. The Rijksmuseum, where this etching is held, played a key role in this movement by collecting and exhibiting works that reflected Dutch identity. To truly appreciate this etching, we must also investigate the historical context of Dutch art institutions and their role in shaping national identity. By consulting archives, exhibition catalogues, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that influenced Jan Bos.