Verliefde wijngaardenier 1817 - 1867

Editor: Here we have an engraving, "Verliefde wijngaardenier" – which I think translates to "Loving winegrower" – made sometime between 1817 and 1867 by an anonymous artist. The figures are very expressive! What can you tell us about this piece? Curator: It's interesting to consider this genre scene within its historical context. How does this depiction of laboring figures potentially reflect or challenge social hierarchies of the time? We see a suggestion of secrecy and perhaps transgression, a common theme during that era. Consider how this artwork might have functioned within the burgeoning print market. Editor: That’s interesting. What kind of market are you thinking about? Curator: Think about the emerging middle class and their growing desire for art that reflected their own lives and values. Prints like these became quite popular. The question is: How might the romantic portrayal of the vineyard contrast with the reality of agricultural labor? Editor: So, you're saying it's not just a sweet depiction of vineyard life but could be reflecting some anxieties around labor? Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, consider where this was displayed - was it a public display, was it intended for a middle-class home? How does the medium influence the narrative and access to that narrative at the time? The availability and politics of imagery are always changing. Editor: That is an entirely different way to appreciate the piece, rather than just the initial 'romantic' impression. Curator: Indeed. Thinking about who sees art, and where, always adds new layers.