De landman 1867 - 1883

Editor: This is a woodcut print called "De Landman," or "The Farmer," by H.M. Bremer, dating from 1867 to 1883. It's part of a children's book, showing various agricultural tools and scenes. What strikes me is the seemingly simple depiction of labor; what do you see in this piece? Curator: It is important to consider this print within the context of its production. Bremer’s choice of woodcut, a relatively accessible and reproducible medium, democratizes the image. These weren't luxury items. It challenges the fine art world through making these depictions accessible to a wide public, likely for educational purposes and social reform through art for children. This emphasizes the work involved in bringing materials and tools together. What labor went into the *making* of this image and *what work* are people depicted doing within the frame? Editor: That makes me think about the specific tools represented: plows, rakes, carts. It highlights human labor and what they produced: agricultural items, goods, not ‘art.’ The text accompanying each image reinforces this emphasis, making it educational. Curator: Exactly. And let's not overlook the setting! Each depiction places this human activity outdoors. These representations implicitly question who benefits from agriculture work and if farmers have what they need. Editor: So, beyond the artistic skill, the choice of materials and printing technique speaks to broader questions about access, education, and the realities of agricultural life in that period. This gives us another idea to ponder and discuss. Curator: Precisely. This "simple" children’s book urges us to critically consider both the image's means of production *and* the representation of the rural labor found within.