Cows and Goats with Two Peasants c. 18th century

Editor: This is Jean Louis de Marne's "Cows and Goats with Two Peasants," its date unknown. I find the etching quite charming, like a scene from a pastoral dream. What do you make of it? Curator: Charming is a perfect word! It's as if de Marne is inviting us into a quiet, sun-dappled moment. I’m immediately drawn to the textures he creates with the etching technique. Look at how he differentiates the rough coat of the bull from the soft fleece of the lamb. It's almost tactile, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely! It’s subtle, but it adds so much depth. I hadn't noticed that before. Curator: Art reveals itself layer by layer! I think this piece whispers of simpler times, a world that maybe existed more in the imagination than in reality, but it is pleasant to look at. Editor: That's lovely, a dream of simpler times. I'll definitely remember that.