Eggen en zaaien 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong created this drawing, "Eggen en zaaien", with black chalk. Reflecting the agrarian roots of Dutch society, this artwork offers a glimpse into the labor-intensive practices of farming. During this period, rapid industrialization and urbanization were reshaping the Netherlands and creating societal anxieties. Artists like de Jong turned to rural life, idealizing agricultural traditions and the perceived authenticity of peasant communities. It's a scene imbued with the rhythms of nature and the sweat of human labor. The composition draws attention to the connection between humans, animals, and the land. We see men sowing the seeds of future harvests. The weight of labor, the reliance on animals, and the connection to the earth itself speak to the fundamental aspects of human existence. De Jong seems to suggest a harmonious relationship with the land in a rapidly changing world. He captures a moment of hope and renewal inherent in the cycle of planting and growth.