Jonge boer 1807 - 1861

Cornelis Steffelaar created this etching, "Jonge boer," using a metal plate, likely copper or zinc, to produce fine lines and tonal variations. The printmaking process allows for the creation of multiple impressions, and speaks to a burgeoning market for affordable art in the 19th century. The image itself depicts a young farmer, identifiable by his wooden clogs and the basket he carries, suggesting daily labor. Steffelaar's skillful handling of the etching needle captures the weight of the boy's burden. The careful attention to detail in the woven basket, the texture of his clothing, and the landscape hint at the value of rural life and the dignity of labor. However, the seemingly endless reproduction and consumption of such images is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By focusing on the materiality and social context of this print, we can better understand the full meaning of Steffelaar's work, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.