De landbouw 1874

This print, titled De Landbouw and made by De Ruyter & Meijer, uses lithography, a technique that allows for the reproduction of fine details and tonal variations. Looking closely, you can see how the lithographic process lends a soft, almost painterly quality to the images. The scenes are arranged in a grid, each depicting a stage of agricultural work, from plowing to harvest. The use of color, though subtle, enlivens the scene and highlights the various activities. These images speak to a burgeoning industrial era where agricultural processes were becoming increasingly mechanized and commercialized. This print encapsulates the tension between traditional rural life and the advent of modern industry, a theme prevalent in art and design of the time. The artwork invites us to reflect on the changing nature of labor, the value of craftsmanship, and the relationship between humans and the land. By focusing on the materials, processes, and social context of creation, we can better appreciate the depth and complexity of this print.