Paard en hond bij een hooiwagen 1788 - 1814

Jan Kobell II created this etching titled 'Horse and Dog by a Hay Wagon' sometime around the turn of the 19th century. We see a scene of rural labor: a horse stands wearily by a hay wagon while a dog rests in the foreground. This image speaks to a romantic vision of country life that was popular at the time, particularly in the Netherlands. The etching technique allowed for a wide distribution of images, making art accessible to a broader audience. It also reflects the increasing interest in animals, not just as working beasts, but as subjects of artistic study. To fully appreciate this artwork, we need to understand the social and economic conditions that shaped its creation. Archival records and historical studies help us uncover the complex interplay between art, labor, and the changing cultural landscape of the Dutch countryside.