Onderscheide bedrijven 1833 - 1856

This color print was made by Johannes Egbertus van Lieshout in the Netherlands. The print, titled "Onderscheide bedrijven," which translates to "Different Businesses," depicts various tradespeople engaged in their daily work. Prints like this provide valuable insights into the economic and social fabric of the Netherlands during this period. The scenes show us the importance of local commerce and individual enterprise, with a didactic tone to the illustration. The presence of these prints also gives us insights into the rising literacy and commercial classes of the Dutch Republic. To understand this artwork, historians often consult period sources such as trade manuals, municipal records, and market reports. By examining these resources, the print becomes more than just a decorative image; it transforms into a window into the economic and social life of the time. It reminds us that art is always contingent on social and institutional contexts.