Farms, ploughed field in the foreground from Praediorum villarum et rusticarum casularum icones elenoantissimae ad vivum in apre deformatae

Art Historical Context

Step into the tranquil rural world of 16th-century Flanders with *Farms, ploughed field in the foreground a captivating etching from the series *Praediorum vill et rusticarum casularum icones elegantissimae ad vivum in aereatae* (Elegant images of farms, villas, and rural rendered in copper from life). Created around 1559–61, this first-state print boasts an impressive roster of talents: designs possibly by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and the Master of the Small Landscapes, published by Hieronymus Cock, and etched by the skilled van Doetecum brothers (Johannes I and Lucas), with involvement from Cornelis Cort. Measuring about 6 x 8 inches on the plate (slightly cut at the bottom), it's a gem from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints collection, acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1922. The composition foregrounds a freshly ploughed field, evoking the rhythms of agrarian life, while receding into vignettes of sturdy farmhouses, trees, and rustic architecture—hallmarks of the emerging "Small Landscapes" style. This innovative etching technique, prized for its fine lines and tonal depth, captured nature "ad vivum" (from life), blending meticulous observation with artistic invention. Historically, these prints marked a pivotal shift: landscapes transitioned from mere backgrounds to starring roles, influencing the Northern Renaissance's celebration of everyday countryside over grand history painting. A rare first state, it offers visitors a window into Bruegel's formative influence on printmaking, inviting reflection on humanity's harmony with the land.

About the Artist

Johannes van Doetecum I|Lucas van Doetecum|Hieronymus Cock|The Master of the Small Landscapes|Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Cornelis Cort (Netherlandish|Netherlandish) · 1528 |1527 –1605 |1606

Netherlandish, 1528/32–1605|Netherlandish, Leeuwarden 1527–1606 (?) Antwerp (?)