Schapen en lammeren en liggende bok bij stal 1822 - 1899

Simon van den Berg created this etching of sheep and lambs near a stable sometime in the mid-19th century. Van den Berg was Dutch, and this image reflects the period's burgeoning interest in agrarian subjects, a theme with distinct social implications. In the Netherlands, land and livestock were not just economic resources but also symbols of national identity. The detailed depiction of rural life suggests an idealized view of the countryside, contrasting with the rapid urbanization and industrialization occurring at the time. Looking at the Rijksmuseum's records and other artworks from the period, it becomes clear that these pastoral scenes often served to reinforce conservative values, evoking a sense of stability amid social change. The etching, therefore, is not just a depiction of farm animals, but also a statement about cultural values.