Boerenhut bij maanlicht 1836 - 1913

Willem Steelink produced this print, “Boerenhut bij maanlicht,” or “Farmhouse in Moonlight,” using etching techniques. Steelink was a Dutch painter, engraver, and etcher, who was part of the Hague School, and this work reflects the movement's interest in depicting everyday life and landscapes. The image presents a farmhouse at night, illuminated by a full moon. The bare trees and sparse details evoke a sense of isolation and the quiet hardships of rural life. In the 19th century, as the Netherlands underwent significant social and economic changes, rural life became a subject of both nostalgia and critique. Steelink’s print reflects these tensions, showing the simple existence of farmers and the raw beauty of the Dutch landscape. The lone figure walking on the path adds a human element to the scene, highlighting the connection between people and their environment. This etching invites us to consider the lives of those who worked the land, and to reflect on our own relationship with the natural world. It is both a historical document and a poignant reflection on the human condition.