Duyfken en Willemynken bij varkens en trappende koe 1590 - 1638

This print, "Duyfken en Willemynken bij varkens en trappende koe," was created by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert. The scene depicts a bucolic landscape populated by livestock, farmers and farmhands going about their work. At first glance it appears to be a simple portrayal of rural life, but we can also see the construction of an idealized image of the countryside. During the time the image was created, the Netherlands was undergoing a period of intense urbanization and commercial expansion. Bolswert creates a nostalgic vision of a traditional way of life and romanticizes the lives of rural folk. The print also seems to emphasize a gendered division of labor, as women are primarily depicted interacting with the animals. The women are named in the title, implying that there is an intentional commentary on the role of women in rural society. In its totality, this piece can be understood as a statement about the cultural values of the time, and how they shape our understanding of progress, gender, and social roles.