[Farmyard Scene] 1850 - 1854

V. Dijon created this photograph, "Farmyard Scene," using a now obsolete photographic process. The image's dark tonality, heavy shadows, and focus on the mundane can be understood in relation to the social and artistic context in which it was made. Photography in the 19th century was developing as both a scientific tool and an artistic medium. The image creates meaning through the use of light and shadow to highlight the textures of the farmyard. We might consider the rise of industrialization and urbanization in Europe during this time. As cities grew, there was a growing interest in rural life and agricultural landscapes. Images of farmyards and the countryside became popular as a way to romanticize and idealize a way of life that was seen as simpler and more authentic. To understand the photograph more fully, we can research the history of photography, agricultural practices, and rural life in 19th-century Europe. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.