Twee geiten 1735 - 1771

Jan Matthias Cok created this etching of two goats sometime in the mid-18th century. The Netherlands in this period saw an increasing interest in rural life and agricultural advancements, driven partly by Enlightenment ideals and the rise of a prosperous merchant class. Prints like this were often included in instructional manuals or agricultural journals, disseminating knowledge about animal husbandry. They provided visual aids for farmers and landowners looking to improve their livestock. Cok’s detailed rendering of the goats emphasizes their health and vigor, qualities that would have been highly valued by contemporary viewers. The image creates meaning through its connection to the economic structures of the time, where agricultural productivity was a key measure of national wealth. Understanding the social context of this print requires looking at the publishing industry and agricultural societies of the 18th century. Art historians explore these topics through archival research and by examining period texts, revealing how images like this played a role in shaping attitudes towards rural life and economic progress.