Herders en reizigers bij een rivier 1881

Louis Monziès made this etching of herders and travelers by a river in 19th century France. It shows figures gathered with their animals at a watering place, a scene that evokes a timeless, pastoral ideal. But let’s consider the social context that shapes this image. In 19th century France, the art world was governed by institutions like the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The Académie prized technical skill and historical or mythological subject matter. However, many artists began to challenge these norms by depicting everyday life. Monziès’ etching, with its focus on ordinary people and their animals, reflects a shift towards a more democratic view of art, which moved away from the aristocratic ideals of the past. To understand this work fully, we can look at the prints and illustrations that circulated widely in French society at this time, along with exhibition reviews and other commentary, that help us to understand better the changing role of art and the artist in 19th century France.