Twee ovens in de buitenlucht 1809 - 1877

This print, by Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man, shows two outdoor ovens rendered in delicate lines of ink on paper. The artist's choice of printmaking allows for the efficient reproduction of these images, broadening their reach. In both depictions, the ovens nestle into the landscape, their forms echoing the organic shapes of the trees and surrounding vegetation. The oven is traditionally made with clay or brick, materials sourced directly from the earth. They would have been essential for communities of bakers. Nolthenius de Man's careful rendering captures the textures of these materials. Prints like these played an important role in disseminating information and ideas, akin to a recipe book: from architectural designs to practical technologies like these ovens. By depicting these functional structures as part of the landscape, Nolthenius de Man elevates the everyday, inviting us to appreciate the beauty inherent in useful objects. It reminds us of the artistry and labor involved in constructing the world around us.