Metselaar die een muur gaat witten 1660

This etching, “Metselaar die een muur gaat witten,” was made by Giuseppe Maria Mitelli, likely in Italy sometime in the 17th or 18th century. The image is simple: a construction worker carrying the tools of his trade. Look closely, and you’ll see the sensitivity with which Mitelli has depicted this man. The fine, precise lines of the etching capture the texture of his clothing and the weight of the bucket he balances on his head. A closer inspection reveals the tools of his trade: the long-handled brush, the bucket, and the ring for mixing the whitewash. These were the implements of everyday life for many working people. Mitelli elevates this subject through his craft. He transforms an ordinary worker into a figure of dignity. It reminds us that even the most humble materials and processes can be imbued with artistry. By paying attention to the details of making, we can appreciate the skill and labor involved in all forms of creation.