Rivierlandschap met visser en jongetje 1798 - 1837

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar created this river landscape with fisherman and boy using etching techniques. Bagelaar was working during a period of significant social and political upheaval, as Europe was in the throes of revolution and war. We see a man and a young boy next to a river surrounded by trees. As we consider the identities of these figures and their relationship to the land, we can think about themes of labor, masculinity, and generational knowledge being passed down. Bagelaar’s choice to depict this scene in such detail draws on the Dutch landscape tradition, which saw the land as not just a backdrop, but a reflection of cultural identity. The emotional depth of this piece lies in its quiet contemplation of everyday life, reminding us of the simple connections we have to nature.