Three Pigs Lying Near a Hedge c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is Karel Dujardin's "Three Pigs Lying Near a Hedge." I find it quite charming. What do you see in this piece beyond a simple pastoral scene? Curator: I see a commentary on class and consumption. Pigs, often associated with lower social strata, are here depicted in a state of leisure. Consider the historical context: were these intended as simple farm animals or a subtle critique of wealth distribution? Editor: That’s interesting! So, you're suggesting Dujardin might be using these pigs to say something about society? Curator: Precisely. Are they symbols of a life of ease afforded by privilege, or a commentary on the natural world, untouched by human social structures? Editor: I never thought about it like that. Thanks, I've learned so much! Curator: Likewise, thinking about art through different lenses always enriches our understanding.