Zoo draagt elk mensch het zijne bij, / Tot heil en nut der maatschappij 1848 - 1881

This print, "Zoo draagt elk mensch het zijne bij, / Tot heil en nut der Maatschappij" or "Everyone contributes to the benefit and use of society", by Lutkie & Cranenburg, visualizes societal harmony through a series of vignettes depicting various professions. Created during a period of industrial expansion and social change, this image reflects the era’s emphasis on the value of labor and the importance of each individual’s contribution to the collective good. While appearing to celebrate societal roles, the print also subtly reinforces the existing class structure. Each person, whether a water carrier, street vendor, or caregiver, has their defined place and task. The print encourages viewers to reflect on how these roles contribute to the functioning of society. It brings attention to how, through even the most mundane tasks, individuals participate in a larger network of social and economic activity. However, we might also ask who is missing from this picture, and whose contributions are not acknowledged or valued? How do gender and class intersect to shape the distribution of labor and reward? By prompting such questions, the print can encourage viewers to reconsider traditional narratives of social harmony.