Man met paard in heuvellandschap 1822 - 1880

This etching, “Man met paard in heuvellandschap”, was made by Louis Charles Hora Siccama. Notice the intricate network of lines, etched into a metal plate and then printed onto paper. The lines define the forms of the man, the horse, and the landscape they inhabit. This method allows for a level of detail that captures the texture of the horse's coat and the rough terrain. The social significance here is subtle but potent. In the 19th century, the division of labor was increasingly visible. Here, we see a common scene: the working man, his livelihood literally riding on the back of his animal. It is a testament to the labor involved in everyday life, and a reminder of the close relationship between humans and animals in a pre-industrial world. Considering the amount of work involved in producing an etching, the image speaks volumes about the artist's own labor. Appreciating the craft involved invites us to see beyond the image and consider the hands that made it.