Barrels and Planks on the Shore of a River c. 17th century

Curator: This is Allart van Everdingen's print, "Barrels and Planks on the Shore of a River." I'm immediately struck by the quiet sense of industry. Editor: There's a real feeling of daily life being lived here, isn't there? Simple, straightforward—the labor of the everyday etched into the landscape. I am curious about the role of religion in these moments of daily life. Curator: Absolutely, the church dominating the background reminds me of the cultural influence it had over the lives of the working class in that era. Everdingen seemed quite interested in the socio-economic reality of the time. Editor: The presence of barrels, planks, and boats, and the inclusion of labor, make the print more than just a pretty scene. These are elements that directly engage with the political economies of the time. Curator: It's also interesting to consider how the art market itself shaped these images, what subjects were deemed saleable, and to whom. Editor: Right. It prompts us to consider the relationship between these scenes of labor and the consumers of such art, what narratives of class and labor were being consumed alongside it. Curator: A reminder that art is always implicated in the systems it depicts, and it’s important to acknowledge our own position as we reflect on this art. Editor: Exactly, and acknowledging those complexities can deepen our understanding of both the artwork and ourselves.