Landschap met herders 1656 - 1726

Johannes Glauber created this etching, "Landschap met herders," which translates to "Landscape with Shepherds," sometime between 1661 and 1726. Glauber, a Dutch Golden Age painter, reveals in this pastoral scene the intersection of nature, labor, and leisure. The artwork depicts shepherds resting within an idealized landscape, a common theme that reflects the era’s fascination with classical ideals and rural life. But let's think about the construction of leisure, and its availability along lines of class. The shepherds—figures of labor—are depicted at rest, hinting at the social hierarchies that allow some to enjoy the fruits of the land. The tranquil landscape invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between humans and the environment. It is a reminder of how we shape the land, and how it shapes us, challenging us to consider the stories and histories embedded within our surroundings.