Landschap met schapen 1808

This is J. Puttemans’ “Landschap met schapen,” or “Landscape with Sheep,” an etching, meaning the image was incised with acid into a metal plate, inked, and then printed on paper. Though we don’t have a date for this work, landscape art was a popular genre throughout Europe, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. While landscape art might seem like simply an objective view, it often carries cultural and social meanings. Landscapes were especially popular with the rising middle class, who were eager to display their refinement through this kind of art. The presence of animals, like these sheep, can evoke ideas about the natural world and idealized rural life. However, such landscapes can also suggest notions of property and control over the land and its resources. Think about how the artist uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth, inviting you into this peaceful yet subtly political landscape.