Eend en de gans 1778 - 1785

Editor: Here we have "Duck and Goose" by Noach van der Meer the Younger, dating from between 1778 and 1785. It's an engraving. I find the framed composition a little quaint. What historical perspectives can you share on this artwork? Curator: The framed composition is telling. Consider the socio-political context of the late 18th century. We're seeing the rise of naturalism, coupled with Enlightenment ideals seeping into art. This framed view, presented like a stage, hints at the taming of nature, the reduction of it into a consumable, digestible scene for the bourgeois audience. Notice the detailed rendering – is this pure appreciation of nature or a demonstration of mastery over it? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way! The detail does seem…almost clinical now that you mention it. Curator: Exactly. Think about who was consuming these images. The burgeoning middle class, eager to display their sophistication and wealth. How does owning an image like this play into their social ambitions? Is it a genuine love for the Dutch countryside, or is it about aligning themselves with perceived refined sensibilities? The print medium also indicates wider accessibility, creating a shared visual culture across societal layers. Editor: So it's not just about the ducks and geese themselves, but the broader social landscape they represent? Curator: Precisely. Consider also the Rijksmuseum's role in preserving and showcasing this work. It elevates a genre scene to a national treasure, reinforcing certain values about Dutch identity and artistic heritage. We are therefore implicated, by viewing this now, in that value judgement. Editor: That really gives me a lot to think about, I always learn so much. Curator: And so do I, seeing your immediate impressions makes me realize the value of looking through other lenses.