Turfstekers 1781

This is an etching called 'Turf Cutters’ by Noach van der (II) Meer, created sometime in the 18th century. The subdued monochrome palette gives the scene a sense of starkness and everyday labor. The composition is structured around the contrast between the figures actively cutting and loading turf on the left and the domestic scene with a figure operating a wheelbarrow on the right. The artist uses line and form to create depth, drawing the eye from the foreground figures to the distant horizon, subtly commenting on the impact of industry on the landscape. The choice of etching as a medium adds a layer of detail and texture, emphasizing the materiality of the land and the labor involved. The image prompts reflection on land use, domesticity, and the changing landscape in 18th-century Holland.