To bønder der slås 1826 - 1830

This small print titled "To bønder der slås" or "Two Fighting Farmers" was made by an anonymous artist. The artwork, currently held at the SMK in Denmark, depicts a violent altercation between two peasants amidst a rural setting. The image creates meaning through its stark depiction of social conflict. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the working class and the ways in which social tensions played out. Given the rise of printmaking across Europe, this work allows the lower classes to be represented and perceived. The identity of the artist is unknown, and perhaps it's better that way. The print can tell us so much about the everyday lived experience of people in the past. By examining historical documents, such as legal records, personal diaries, and folklore, we can better interpret the conditions in which this artwork was made. We can appreciate the role of art as something deeply embedded in its social context.