Wandelaars en visser bij rivier 1630 - 1666

This print, Wandelaars en visser bij rivier, was made by Nicolas Perelle in France in the second half of the 17th century. At this time, landscape prints were growing in popularity, creating a market for artists like Perelle. What's fascinating is the way this seemingly simple scene reflects evolving social attitudes. The figures are placed within a carefully composed landscape, highlighting the relationship between people and nature. The inclusion of walkers and a fisherman suggests an appreciation for leisure and the natural world. The 'privilege du Roy' inscription indicates a royal endorsement, suggesting the social and political importance of such imagery. To fully understand the print's context, it's worth looking into the art market in France under Louis XIV. Research into the Perelle family and their network of artists would reveal the institutional and economic structures that shaped artistic production at that time. Ultimately, this image reveals much about the values of its time.