Stadsgezicht met rivier 1885

Theodor Hagen created this etching, "Cityscape with River," in Germany. Hagen's work reflects the late 19th-century art world's shift towards naturalism and impressionism, moving away from romanticized, idealized landscapes to focus on the observable realities of everyday life. The scene depicts a humble town, possibly in the German countryside. The etching medium allowed for detailed replication, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Hagen's choice of subject matter, a common cityscape, aligns with the era's interest in depicting ordinary life and locations. This connects to broader social trends like industrialization and urbanization. To fully understand Hagen's work, we can delve into the art market of the time, exhibition records, and critical reviews to better grasp the social conditions that shaped this artistic production. Remember, our understanding of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.