Landschap met herders after 1756

Martin de Monchy created this print called "Landschap met herders" - or "Landscape with Shepherds" - using etching techniques, sometime in the late 18th century. These pastoral scenes were popular in the Netherlands at that time, depicting idealized rural life, but it’s important to remember that these were not always accurate reflections of reality. De Monchy dedicated the print to Madame de Damery, meaning this was likely a commissioned piece and not for public consumption. This tells us something about the social context for art production. The scene itself shows a world where shepherds and shepherdesses enjoyed simple pleasures in nature. However, such images often glossed over the hardships faced by rural communities, especially during periods of economic or political instability. To gain a deeper understanding of the print, we can consult historical archives, economic data, and social histories to reveal a richer understanding of the print’s social context.