Twee koeien in een wei 1863 - 1880

Léopold Desbrosses made this print, called “Two Cows in a Meadow,” in the late 19th century. It depicts farm life in France, where the Industrial Revolution transformed centuries-old agricultural traditions. Desbrosses’ image makes reference to the pastoral tradition that stretches back to ancient times. It's a nostalgic view of rural life with its serene cows and open skies. But even here, we see signs of change. In the background are horse-drawn carts. What kind of economy do these machines imply? This print probably catered to an urban bourgeoisie, whose wealth derived from the transformation of the countryside. Did they feel guilty about that? Did they long for the simpler life they left behind? Looking at this print, the social historian might ask, what kinds of historical documents could help us better understand the transformation of the countryside in France? What can records of agricultural production and population migration tell us about the social impact of industrialization in the late 19th century?