Staande stier, naar rechts 1817

Jean Bernard made this etching of a bull, likely in the Netherlands, sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century. The image presents a bull in profile, standing in a pasture. In the background, a church spire rises above the horizon, a common cultural symbol in the Dutch landscape. What makes this image interesting is its focus on agricultural life, reflecting the economic importance of livestock in the Netherlands. During this period, Dutch agriculture was highly developed, and images of farm animals would have resonated with a broad audience involved in agriculture. Bernard’s print can be seen as part of a larger visual culture that celebrated Dutch industry and rural life. The detailed rendering of the bull emphasizes its size and strength, perhaps idealizing it as a symbol of the nation's agricultural prowess. Understanding this print requires looking into the economic and social history of the Netherlands, consulting agricultural records, and studying the broader artistic trends. This approach allows us to understand how art reflects and shapes cultural values.