Stier in de wei 1897

Editor: Right this way to Auguste Danse’s "Stier in de wei," created in 1897. It's an etching, and what strikes me is how this mundane scene feels so monumental and almost mythic, how does it strike you? Curator: It is striking. Looking at it through a historical lens, the late 19th century saw a rising interest in rural life, idealized through art, while industrialization was rapidly changing society. How do you think this etching fits into that socio-political context? Editor: That’s fascinating. I suppose it offers a romanticized, perhaps even nostalgic, image of rural existence. I wonder, did this representation reinforce or challenge the dominant narratives of the time? Curator: Good question. The realism of the etching, combined with its artistic rendering, treads a fine line. While it presents a 'real' bull in a field, the composition and light also imbue it with a sense of nobility. This could both reinforce the value of agricultural life, portraying it with dignity, and perhaps subtly critique the social displacement caused by industrial growth. Consider where the work would have been shown: likely in galleries and exhibitions frequented by the urban elite, and consider its influence. Editor: So the image may speak differently depending on who is looking at it and where they encounter it. What considerations would have shaped that kind of visual presentation in the Rijksmuseum where it now resides? Curator: Indeed. Think about the function of museums like the Rijksmuseum. How do they shape and frame national identity? "Stier in de wei" can contribute to a narrative of Dutch national identity rooted in its landscape and agricultural heritage. Editor: That makes me see it in a completely new light. I originally just thought it was a picture of a cow! Curator: Well, and that too. That is what’s exciting; unpacking how art reflects and shapes cultural values makes even a humble etching incredibly resonant.