Urbanus en Isabel / Zie hier het leven van Urbaan (...) 1842 - 1866

This undated print, "Urbanus en Isabel", by weduwe C. Kok-van Kolm, presents a sequential narrative using lithography. The work is structured into a grid of small scenes, each illustrating a moment in the story of Urbanus and Isabel. The limited use of color—yellow, red, and blue—highlights specific figures and elements, drawing the viewer's eye through the narrative. Notice how the artist uses line and form to create depth and movement within each framed vignette, despite the static nature of printmaking. The sequential arrangement invites a semiotic reading, where each image acts as a signifier in a larger chain of meaning. This structure echoes the format of comic strips, using visual codes to convey a narrative about relationships and societal expectations. The artist effectively challenges fixed meanings by presenting a fragmented, episodic view of life. The print serves as a fascinating example of how formal structure can be used to convey narrative and social commentary.