De spreeuw / De gans 1555 - 1900

"De Spreeuw/De Gans" ("The Starling/The Goose") was printed by Glenisson & Van Genechten, using ink on paper. The texture of the paper is visible, giving the print a tactile quality, a reminder of the skilled labor involved. The artist's process, specifically the labor-intensive nature of traditional printmaking, is vital to understanding the work's significance. Note how the lines create the forms and details. This would have demanded patience, precision and considerable expertise. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, "De Spreeuw/De Gans" serves as a reminder of the value and skill embedded in manual processes, a testament to the traditions of craft. It prompts us to consider the social and economic contexts in which art is made and consumed. This allows us to challenge conventional hierarchies that distinguish "high art" from craft.