Twee liggende geiten 1822 - 1899

Simon van den Berg created this etching, “Two Lying Goats,” at an unknown date. Its seeming simplicity belies the interesting history of the image, and the role of institutions in the development of art. During the 19th century in the Netherlands, landscape art became increasingly popular. Artists turned to the countryside, depicting scenes of rural life. These images often reinforced a romanticized view of nature and an idealized vision of Dutch national identity, sometimes obscuring the hardships faced by rural communities. Here, however, there is little to suggest a broader narrative. The goats are presented without sentimentality. They are not symbols but creatures. To fully appreciate this work, we can look into Van den Berg’s influences and the etching techniques of the period. We can examine the art market and the collecting habits of Dutch society to understand how such images circulated. Through this historical research, we can understand the significance of this work as both a product of and a reflection on its time.