Twee etende eekhoorns 1820 - 1884

Editor: Here we have "Two Eating Squirrels", dating from the period 1820 to 1884 by Carl August Deis, made with etching, drawing, and print. The two squirrels are indeed very cute. They are sat eating, and seem unconcerned about anything around them. How might this relate to a broader historical context? Curator: This print, rooted in 19th-century Romanticism and Realism, presents an interesting perspective on the burgeoning concept of nature as distinct from the burgeoning Industrial Revolution. The image reflects a shift in cultural values, where nature is viewed not just as a resource, but as a space of innocence and retreat. It makes me think about whose gaze is prioritized and for what reason: is it possible to view the two squirrels as noble inhabitants who can avoid social change by staying out of it? Editor: So the squirrels become stand-ins, in a way? Who was the likely audience for such a piece, and how might they have interpreted this scene? Curator: Exactly. This print was likely aimed at a middle-class audience in urban settings, removed from agrarian life. It romanticizes the natural world at a time of rapid urbanization, serving perhaps as an advertisement or perhaps an appeal. Its display and appreciation become a social act, signifying a certain status and a particular sensibility. Editor: It's interesting how the portrayal of animals, seemingly simple, carries so much cultural weight. Curator: Precisely. Consider the genre: the appeal of such animal-centered works often had links to a desire for the exotic. Do you feel the piece reflects elements of either Romanticism or Realism more strongly, considering its place in this public setting? Editor: Hmm, good point. I think there’s something comforting in the realistic depiction, but the romantic escapism is still very much present. It's both idealized and observed, isn't it? Thank you; I'm beginning to see so much more in this little image. Curator: You’re welcome. Considering it now, this little genre-painting highlights the intersection between social yearning, public access, and artistic representation. It's a nice encapsulation.