Landschap met drie koeien 1829 - 1879

Ildephonse Stocquart made this etching titled 'Landscape with three cows' sometime in the 19th century. It depicts a pastoral scene, with three cows resting in a field, but it's not just a neutral depiction of farm animals. Think about the social and economic context of 19th-century Belgium. This was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization, which led to a growing nostalgia for rural life. Images of cows, fields, and farmers became symbols of a simpler, more natural way of life that was increasingly threatened by the modern world. These idyllic scenes were often commissioned by wealthy urban dwellers who wanted to reconnect with nature, or at least, the idea of nature. As historians, we might look at the artist's other works, exhibition records, or the writings of contemporary art critics to understand how this image was received by the public. By considering the social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the meanings and values that were attached to this seemingly simple scene.