Koeien bij een drinkplaats tussen bomen 1857 - 1860

Jules Laurens created this print, titled 'Cows at a Watering Place Among Trees', using etching. This rural scene evokes the French countryside, likely in the mid-19th century when images of pastoral life were very popular. The cows drinking peacefully, the tranquil trees, and the still water all tap into a longing for an idealized, pre-industrial past. But these types of images also played a role in shaping the cultural narrative of France itself. The image idealizes the countryside and an essential French identity. It emphasizes a connection to the land which was part of the politics of imagery during the rebuilding of France after the Napoleonic wars. As historians, we examine the artistic choices, their cultural context, and how they reflect or challenge the norms of their time. By studying artists' biographies, exhibition records, and period reviews, we gain a richer understanding of the social conditions that shape artistic production and reception.