Mannen planten fruitbomen 1676

This print, of anonymous authorship, was made in Amsterdam in 1676. It's an etching, a printmaking process that relies on biting lines into a metal plate with acid. Here, a relatively simple technology is used to convey a complex set of ideas. The image shows laborers planting citrus trees in a formal garden, complete with classical statuary. The contrast between the rough appearance of the workers and the refined setting is striking, and tells us much about the economic system that made such displays possible. Exotic trees like these would have been a luxury, and the labor required to cultivate them a significant expense. By emphasizing these aspects of production, the print subtly acknowledges the social inequalities of the time, even as it celebrates the bounty of nature. It reminds us that behind every beautiful object, there is often a story of labor and class. Recognizing this gives us a fuller understanding of the artwork, and its place in the world.