Twee voorstellingen met schapen 1735 - 1771

These two images of sheep were etched by Jan Matthias Cok in the 18th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic saw itself as a pastoral haven, and images of rural life were idealized reflections of national identity. Look at the sheep; they are rendered with a delicate touch, evoking a sense of tranquility. It’s hard not to consider the economic underpinnings of such images. The wool industry was central to the Dutch economy, with sheep playing a key role in the country's prosperity and international trade. In this context, Cok's etchings served to reinforce the image of a bountiful and serene countryside, while subtly reminding viewers of the source of their nation’s wealth. Consider how these images might obscure the realities of agricultural labor and the social hierarchies inherent in the Dutch economy. The appeal to simplicity and the picturesque sidesteps the complex narratives of labor and land ownership.