2d Vüe de Petite Ferme 1761

James Peak made this etching in the 18th century, after a design by Jean Pillement. The scene depicts a humble farmhouse, complete with peasants and livestock. At the time this print was made, elite artists were expected to depict scenes from the Bible, mythology, or classical history, but the rising middle class in England and France preferred scenes of everyday life. Prints such as this one were relatively inexpensive and could be enjoyed by a much broader audience than paintings. The print market became an important source of income for artists who were otherwise excluded from the Royal Academies. Commercial success also gave artists more independence to experiment with new subjects and styles. Art historians use a variety of sources to understand art within its social and institutional contexts. We read period publications, consult exhibition records, and study the biographies of artists and patrons. These resources help us to understand how art reflects and shapes the world around it.