Bok en schaap 1809 - 1826

This is ‘Bok en schaap’ by Balthasar Paul Ommeganck, made with etching. Born in Antwerp in the mid-18th century, Ommeganck lived through a time of significant social and political upheaval, including the French Revolution and its aftermath. Ommeganck was known for his idyllic pastoral scenes. But we can also ask ourselves, what does it mean to idealize rural life during a period marked by urbanization and industrial change? This work might be seen as a commentary on shifting social values, a longing for a simpler past amidst the complexities of modernizing Europe. Note the contrast between the active goat and the resting sheep, positioned under the shade of a tree, as if seeking refuge from the sun. This composition invites reflections on themes of rest, labor, and the intrinsic connection between humans and the natural world. In its quiet way, the etching acknowledges an idealized vision and the deep sense of connection to the land.