Hoefsmid 1638 - 1658

Cornelis Visscher made this print, called "Hoefsmid" or "The Farrier," in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. The image depicts a farrier tending to a horse's hooves outside his workshop, as onlookers observe the scene. In Visscher's Holland, the Dutch Republic was a major economic power, and prints like this one catered to a growing urban middle class interested in depictions of everyday life. The print portrays a slice of Dutch society, reflecting the importance of skilled trades and the interactions between different social classes. It's interesting to note the presence of both working-class figures and more well-to-do horse riders, highlighting the diverse social fabric of the time. The meticulous detail of the setting, the tools, and the figures' clothing all contribute to a sense of realism and immediacy. The beauty of historical investigation lies in its ability to unlock deeper understandings of artworks like this one. By examining period documents, social histories, and economic data, we can gain insight into the values and social structures reflected in Visscher's print.