Landschap met een visser 1660 - 1666

Franciscus de Neve created this print entitled 'Landscape with a Fisherman' using etching. The image presents an idyllic scene but the presence of the fishermen draws our eye to labour and social class in the Netherlands at this time. This print also has its origins in a very particular kind of institution: the print shop. Print shops were commercial enterprises, employing artists such as De Neve to create images for public consumption. The image creates meaning through the use of recognizable visual codes such as classical architecture. De Neve seems to be making a clear statement about the relationship between art and social class. To fully appreciate the artwork, we can consult a range of sources, including historical documents and social histories. With these, we can explore how it reflects and engages with the social and institutional context in which it was created. By examining these elements, we can develop a richer understanding of the work.