Landschap met rij berken c. 1850 - 1883

Jerome Tuyttens made this landscape with a row of birch trees as an etching. The image presents us with an intimate view into a rural scene, likely from Belgium, where Tuyttens spent much of his career. Without firm dates, we are left to speculate, though certain social contexts can still be explored. The late 19th century saw significant artistic interest in the countryside, in part fuelled by the increasing urbanization and industrialization of Europe. Artists turned to the landscape for inspiration, portraying it as both idyllic and untouched by the harsh realities of modern life. The row of birch trees could be seen as a comment on the social and environmental changes in Belgium at the time, subtly critiquing the expansion of urban spaces at the expense of nature. To gain a deeper understanding of this etching, a historian might delve into exhibition catalogues, critical reviews, and the artist's personal correspondence. Only by situating the work within its contemporary social and institutional context can we uncover its full significance.