Jysk vandmølle 1892

Louise Ravn-Hansen created this etching entitled ‘Jysk vandmølle’ or ‘Jutland Watermill’. Produced in Denmark, it speaks to a broader cultural interest across Europe in depictions of rural life and the relationship between humans and nature. Watermills held a significant role in local economies, providing essential power for grinding grain. This image, however, does not focus on the mill as a centre of production. Instead, it romanticizes the scene and the reflections in the water create a tranquil atmosphere. Considering the institutional backdrop, it is important to note that Ravn-Hansen studied at the School of Design for Women, a progressive institution in its time. This etching subtly reflects changing attitudes towards the role of women in art, as well as changing social and economic structures in Denmark. Historical analysis of prints like these involves understanding the social conditions that shaped artistic production and considering what that means for the institutions that collect them.