Herders met kudde en boerinnen 1747 - 1812

Pellegrino dal Colle created this print titled "Herders met kudde en boerinnen" in the late 18th century. It offers a glimpse into the pastoral ideals of the time, yet it also subtly reveals the socio-economic realities of rural life. The artwork depicts men, women and children tending to their animals, in what seems like idyllic harmony. But look closer. The division of labor is subtly marked by gender and age, with women and children actively working, while a man reclines. The print reflects contemporary notions about labor, family, and social hierarchy during a period of significant social change. Is this really a scene of peaceful pastoral life, or is it just a romanticized version intended for a privileged audience? Notice how dal Colle invites you to contemplate the values and assumptions embedded in these images of rural life. It challenges us to consider whose stories are being told, and how they are being framed.