Boeren en vrouwen bij put before 1864

Charles Rochussen created this print, "Farmers and women by the well" sometime in the mid-19th century, which offers us a view into the agrarian life of the Netherlands. Rochussen, active during a period of significant social and economic change, often depicted scenes of everyday life. This image captures the rhythms of rural labor, but also hints at the gendered division of work. In the background, we see men plowing the fields with the help of oxen, while in the foreground women are gathered around a well. The well becomes a focal point, a space for women and children, hinting at the communal and domestic aspects of their lives. These scenes are a reminder of the often-overlooked labor and resilience of rural communities. Rochussen’s detailed portrayal invites us to consider the complex roles of men and women within this society. What does it mean to extract resources from the land, and how does that labor shape identity and community?