Boerderij after 1780

Jabes Heenck made this etching of a farmhouse, or 'boerderij' in the Netherlands during the late 18th century. It depicts a rural scene, one that suggests a world untouched by the growing urban centres, commercial trade, and intellectual life that characterized the Dutch Golden Age. The image creates meaning through its depiction of daily life. Chickens peck around in the yard and a dog wanders by. These were common subjects in Dutch art, particularly during the 17th century when artists turned away from religious art. The image is not overtly political, but it does reflect a conservative vision of Dutch life, one in which the values of hard work and self-reliance are emphasized. As historians, we must consider the social and institutional context in which art is made. Understanding the history of the Dutch Republic, its economy, and its culture can help us to better understand the meaning of this image.