Herders brengen Apollo geschenken 1798

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this engraving, "Herders brengen Apollo geschenken", or "Herdsmen bring gifts to Apollo" at an unknown date. The image depicts a scene of rural workers giving the gift of livestock and produce to the Greco-Roman god Apollo. Let’s consider how an image like this creates meaning. In this German print, the artist uses classical imagery to make a statement about social class and the role of the aristocracy. Chodowiecki made the engraving during a time of growing social inequality and political upheaval, and the image may be seen as a critique of the privileges enjoyed by the upper classes. Apollo receives gifts as the toiling workers give what they have made, a metaphor for the extraction of wealth from the poor. This engraving provides a window into the social and political climate of 18th-century Germany, and invites us to reflect on the relationship between art and social commentary. By consulting historical sources, scholars can continue to shed light on its meaning and significance.