Atelier waar waaiers worden gemaakt. 1751 - 1772

Editor: This engraving, titled "Atelier waar waaiers worden gemaakt," or "Workshop for Making Fans," by A.J. Defehrt, was created sometime between 1751 and 1772. It feels very orderly and detailed, showing the various stages of fan creation. What do you see in this piece? Curator: What immediately strikes me is the representation of labor, and particularly gendered labor. We see primarily women engaged in the craft of fan making. Consider the social and economic context. Who were these women? What were their lives like? Were they paid fairly? How did this work relate to societal expectations of women during that time? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't really thought about the gender dynamics at play. So the image isn't just about the fans themselves? Curator: Exactly. Look at the lower half of the engraving. The shapes and tools are meticulously laid out. Is it merely documentation of technique? Or perhaps is it a subtle commentary on the division of labor inherent in craft production? The clean, organized depiction contrasts sharply with the reality of many workshops, where labor conditions were often far from ideal. It is important to analyze the power dynamics. Editor: So by looking at the historical and social context, we can read deeper meanings into what might seem like a simple depiction of a workshop? Curator: Precisely. We can start to unpack how this image reinforces or perhaps even subtly challenges societal norms and power structures of its time. Art is rarely neutral. Editor: This has given me a completely different perspective on the artwork. Thanks, this was a fascinating angle to consider. Curator: My pleasure! There are many ways to interpret and examine this artwork and other works from this time. Remember, the artwork exists because it reveals the larger conversations in which society engages.