Johann Georg Wagner created this drawing of a rider, mule, dogs, and a standing woman using pen and brush in the 18th century. Looking at this image, we can see how Wagner evokes the atmosphere of rural life, perhaps in the Germanic lands of his time. Notice the seemingly simple composition and subdued tones. This was a society undergoing significant transitions; traditional rural ways of life were being challenged by the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and shifting social hierarchies. This image reflects the social context of its time, showing a bucolic scene, and romanticising traditional ways of life. Drawings like this, while seemingly straightforward, speak to broader cultural values. Art historians use a wide range of sources, from census records to literature, to enrich our understanding of these values.