Herders met vee bij een rivier c. 1860 - 1900

Johannes Arnoldus Boland made this print of herders with cattle near a river, using etching. In the 19th century, artists across Europe depicted rural scenes, reflecting a growing interest in landscapes and traditional ways of life. This etching, with its detailed rendering of nature, fits into that broader trend. Made in the Netherlands, it suggests a particular cultural lens through which the Dutch viewed their countryside. The print invites consideration of how the Dutch identity was constructed through its landscapes and the activities of its people. Images such as these played a role in shaping perceptions of Dutch heritage and national pride. To fully appreciate this print, we can examine local histories and archival records. It emphasizes the idea that art’s meaning is always tied to its social and institutional environment.