Boer met rund en schapen uit de Auvergne 1838 - 1899

Achille-Isidore Gilbert created this print of a farmer with cattle and sheep from the Auvergne. It gives us insight into the rural life and agricultural practices in 19th-century France. The image presents a romantic vision of agricultural life. It depicts a farmer on horseback, guiding his animals through a sparse landscape. During this period, the Auvergne region, like many rural areas, faced economic and social changes due to industrialization and urbanization. Artists like Gilbert played a role in shaping perceptions and values associated with rural life. To understand this work better, we can look into French agricultural policies, the rise of landscape painting, and the cultural representation of rural communities in art and literature. The institutions of art also come into play, particularly the role of art academies and salons in promoting certain styles and themes. Exploring these resources provides us with a richer understanding of the interplay between art, society, and the politics of representation.