Boerderij met hooiberg 1784 - 1828

Cornelis de Kruyff created this etching of a farm with haystack, sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century, in the Netherlands. The image presents a seemingly simple scene of rural life. But look closer and consider the social context. The etching was made during a time of significant economic and political upheaval in the Netherlands, as the country transitioned from the Dutch Republic to French control, raising questions about the relationship between the land, labor, and national identity. De Kruyff's choice to depict this subject matter, using etching, a medium often associated with detailed observation and documentation, positions the image as more than just a picturesque landscape. This print engages with broader social and political debates about the changing role of agriculture in Dutch society. To understand this artwork fully, one could research the economic conditions of the Netherlands during this period, exploring how changing agricultural practices impacted rural communities. By investigating these historical contexts, we can better understand the role of art in reflecting and shaping social realities.