Tuinierende figuren 1661 - 1726

This detailed print, "Tuinierende figuren," or "Gardening Figures," captures a scene of rural labor, rendered by an anonymous artist. It presents us with a vision of nature that is deeply entwined with human effort. The image reflects a society where labor is gendered, with women shown carrying water and harvesting. The presence of the well-dressed man and the dog suggest a social hierarchy, reminding us of the different values assigned to work, and to leisure, across class lines. The print seems to be saying, "Happy is he whom nature alone can supply with his needs." It is a narrative steeped in the values of simplicity and self-sufficiency, yet it’s also a carefully constructed image that idealizes rural life. It smooths over the harsh realities of agricultural work. As you look at this scene, consider how it reflects both a longing for and a romanticizing of the natural world.