Boer en boerin 1739 - 1851

This etching, depicting a farmer and his wife, was made by Johannes Janson in the 18th century. Janson employed a printmaking technique to create this image, using metal plates, acid, and ink. The etched lines define the figures, revealing the textures of their clothing, and the weariness etched on the farmer’s face. The relatively inexpensive nature of printmaking allowed for wider distribution of images like these, bringing everyday scenes into the homes of a broader public. The choice of this medium speaks volumes about the artist’s intentions. It is a deliberate move away from the exclusive, singular world of painting, towards a more accessible and democratic form of art. Ultimately, understanding the materials and methods used to create this etching allows us to see it not just as an image, but as a product of its time, reflecting both the lives of the people it depicts and the changing landscape of art and labor.