Schapen in een stal 1867 - 1911

Jacoba de Graaff made this etching, "Sheep in a Stable," sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The print depicts a huddle of sheep in the dim interior of a barn. Produced in the Netherlands, this piece speaks to the enduring significance of agriculture and animal husbandry in Dutch society. De Graaff's choice to depict such a humble scene may reflect a broader artistic trend of Realism, which sought to portray everyday life and labor without idealization. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a role in shaping cultural memory and identity. By including this print in its collection, the museum elevates a common scene to the level of art, affirming the value of rural life. To fully understand this print, we might consult agricultural records, social histories of the Netherlands, and exhibition catalogs from the period. This would give us insight into the social, economic, and institutional contexts that shaped De Graaff's artistic vision.