Boerenerf met koeien 1812

"Boerenerf met koeien," or "Farmyard with cows," was made by Pieter de Goeje in the early 19th century. It's a print, specifically an etching, made by drawing into a waxy ground on a metal plate, which is then exposed to acid. In this small, but captivating print, de Goeje skillfully uses the etching process to create a serene rural scene. The fine lines and delicate shading bring life to the cows and the rustic farmyard, while the surrounding landscape is defined through a labor-intensive, and highly skilled process. The artist has left visible the marks of production, imbuing it with social significance. There's a definite connection between the imagery depicted, with its intimations of labor and agricultural production, and the labor-intensive etching technique itself. The artist is drawing a parallel between the work required to sustain a community, and the intense process of artistic production. This piece reminds us that understanding the materials, making, and context can reveal the full meaning of a work of art.