Landschap met op de voorgrond een varkenskot 1762 - 1815

Leendert Overbeek created this landscape with a pigsty in the foreground using pen and brush in the late 18th century. The drawing offers us a glimpse into the rural life of the Dutch countryside during the period of the Dutch Republic. The pigsty, prominently placed, suggests an agricultural society, its economy deeply rooted in animal husbandry. The church spire in the distance reminds us of the central role religion played, its presence both a physical and symbolic marker in the landscape. Overbeek's choice to depict a humble scene, rather than grand historical or mythological subjects, signals a shift in artistic interests towards everyday life. This could be seen as a reflection of the rising merchant class and their appreciation for realistic representations of their world. To understand Overbeek's artistic choices and their broader implications, we can examine how art academies were beginning to value 'genre' painting. The social and economic factors which shape artistic production are rich areas for further research.