Boerenerf met boer die een zeis slijpt 1645 - 1646

This drawing of a farmyard scene was made by Pieter Moninckx, sometime in the 17th century. It's created simply, with graphite on paper. The sketch invites us to consider the labor of rural life. The figure in the foreground, sharpening his scythe, is poised to cut hay—a repetitive, physically demanding task. But Moninckx also includes details that give a sense of the larger farmyard, with its buildings and fences all carefully delineated. The economy of labor is really at the heart of the image: that relationship between the individual worker, the tools at his disposal, and the bounty of nature. Moninckx elevates this scene of everyday life to the level of art. It reminds us that close observation of materials and processes can reveal much about the social context in which art is made. It bridges any perceived gap between craft and fine art.