Mager paard 1807

In 1807, Frédéric Théodore Faber created this etching, titled "Mager paard," which translates to "Meagre Horse." Executed during a time of significant political and social upheaval in the Netherlands, then under French influence, Faber's image of a thin, somewhat dejected horse, invites reflection on the socio-economic conditions of the period. Was the lean horse a commentary on the hardships endured by the Dutch populace under foreign rule? Or perhaps it was a more generalized depiction of the realities of rural life? It's crucial to remember that artistic meaning is invariably shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which art is made and consumed. By consulting historical records, economic data, and the art criticism of the time, we might be better able to understand Faber's visual commentary on early 19th-century Dutch society. Such research allows us to see how art can both reflect and challenge prevailing social norms.