Bondepige fra Parma (Paysane Parmesane) 1760s

François Auguste Moitte created this print, "Bondepige fra Parma", using engraving. The image depicts a peasant woman from Parma, Italy, seated in what appears to be her kitchen. In the 18th century, images of rural life gained popularity, often romanticizing the simplicity and virtue of country people. But were these images a true reflection, or were they shaped by the desires and fantasies of urban audiences? What role did institutions like the art market play in shaping these representations? The scene here is filled with details: a large fireplace, a basket of eggs, and a wine bottle. These elements speak to the everyday life of the peasant class, but also to the way that life was being observed, studied, and consumed by others. As historians, we can turn to sources from the period – literature, economic data, and other visual representations – to better understand the complex exchange between the observer and the observed. The meaning of art shifts with the tides of context.