Titelprent met herder met kudde bij boerderij 1768 - 1772

Nicolas Pérignon made this print, "Titelprent met herder met kudde bij boerderij," in the 18th century using etching. The scene is pastoral and might, at first glance, seem merely picturesque. Yet, consider its historical context. Pérignon created this during a time of stark social stratification in France. While the aristocracy enjoyed lavish lifestyles, the peasantry often struggled with poverty and hardship. This image then presents an idealized, perhaps even romanticized, view of rural life. The shepherd, the humble dwelling, and the grazing animals evoke a sense of tranquility but may also obscure the realities of rural existence. We might ask, whose stories are not being told in this idyllic scene? How does the artist's own social position influence this representation? Consider how the artwork perpetuates or challenges existing power structures. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its ability to transport us to a simpler time, even as it prompts us to reflect on the complexities of history and representation.