Varkensstal en mesthoop in landschap c. 1875

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this etching of a pigsty and dung heap in a landscape, though we can't be certain of the date. At first glance, this image of rural life may seem rather unremarkable. But consider that in the Netherlands during the late 19th century, the art world was dominated by romanticized landscapes and portraits of the elite. Storm van 's-Gravesande was associated with the Hague School, and he rebelled against established artistic norms. He chose everyday scenes of the working class, reflecting the growing social consciousness of the time. Here, he draws attention to the economic realities of farming and animal husbandry. The unglamorous setting and focus on agricultural labor challenged the art world’s traditional values. In seeking to interpret this image, we can consult historical documents about Dutch agriculture and the art market of the period. The artist's choice of subject offers insight into the social and political values of his time. It reminds us that art is never made in a vacuum, and its meaning is always tied to the world around it.