Landschap met Philemon en Baucis 1861 - 1889

William Unger made this print, "Landschap met Philemon en Baucis," using etching. The image depicts a scene derived from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Jupiter and Mercury, disguised as mortals, seek shelter and are turned away by all until the elderly Philemon and Baucis welcome them into their humble home. Unger invites us into the landscape, a popular theme in the Netherlands. This work was made in the 19th century, a time of significant social and economic transformation in the Netherlands. The rise of industrialization and urbanization led to new social classes, and the art world began to reflect these changes. Unger's print can be seen as a commentary on the values of hospitality and humility in an increasingly materialistic society. Art historians like myself use a range of resources to understand the context in which art is made, including historical documents, literary sources, and social theory. It is this historical context that enriches our understanding of Unger's image.