Schapen bij een ruif 1886

Albert Heinrich Brendel created this print of sheep near a feeding rack using etching techniques. Brendel was working in 19th century Europe, where the art world was dominated by academic traditions and strict hierarchies of subject matter. During this time, there was a growing interest in rural life and the natural world, partly as a reaction to increasing industrialization. Images of animals and pastoral scenes became popular, reflecting a nostalgia for a simpler, idealized past. However, these images often served to reinforce existing social structures, portraying a romanticized version of rural life that ignored the harsh realities faced by many. Brendel’s choice of subject matter and his meticulous attention to detail align with the artistic conventions of his time. To understand this work better, one might examine the records of art academies or exhibition catalogs. Looking into agricultural practices and the social status of farmers and rural communities during the 19th century will help contextualize Brendel's artistic choices.