Timmerman 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this mezzotint, Timmerman, in the late 17th or early 18th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic experienced a surge in prosperity and artistic production which saw an increased interest in genre scenes and depictions of everyday life. Here, a craftsman is portrayed, his tools and garb indications of his trade. Note the somewhat unflattering realism in Gole’s depiction of this man, a common trope of working-class representation at the time. His character seems etched in the lines of his face. The print invites a dialogue about labor, identity, and representation. Does it perpetuate stereotypes, or does it offer a glimpse into the life and character of an ordinary worker? Consider how Gole's work invites us to reflect on the lives and dignity of those often unseen in the grand narratives of history. In a time of increasing social stratification, images like these offered commentary on class and value, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface.