En tyr 1826 - 1893

Johan Frederik Rosenstand made this print of a bull using etching, a printmaking technique, sometime in the 19th century. The image presents us with a seemingly straightforward depiction of animal husbandry. However, it invites us to consider the social and economic values that underlie such representations. Made in Denmark, this print reflects the burgeoning agricultural industry of the time, where livestock played a crucial role. Consider how the artist's detailed rendering of the bull emphasizes its physical strength and reproductive capacity, traits that were highly valued in agricultural societies. The etching technique, with its precise lines and tonal gradations, lends a sense of scientific accuracy to the image, aligning it with the era's growing interest in natural history and classification. Moreover, prints like these were often circulated among agricultural communities, serving as visual guides for breeding and livestock management. By examining such imagery, we gain insight into the historical and institutional contexts that shaped artistic production. Research into agricultural practices, breed standards, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge would further enrich our understanding. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even seemingly simple depictions are embedded in complex webs of social, economic, and cultural meanings.