Meadow with Children 1875 - 1877

Wilhelm Leibl created this print, Meadow with Children, during a period when artists were increasingly turning to the realities of everyday life. Leibl, associated with a style known as realism, sought to depict scenes without idealization. This particular work provides a glimpse into the lives of children in a rural setting. Instead of portraying them in a sentimental or overtly picturesque way, Leibl captures a moment of quiet repose. The children are shown resting in a meadow, their figures blending into the landscape. Leibl was interested in the everyday experiences of the rural working class and the themes of labor and leisure in the countryside. While seemingly simple, this print reflects broader shifts in representation, away from academic formality and towards a more democratic vision of art that includes the lives of ordinary people. It invites viewers to consider the value and dignity of these often-overlooked experiences, reflecting a move towards greater social consciousness in art.