Huishoudkamer 1857 - 1864

This is a print by Emrik & Binger, titled "Huishoudkamer," which translates to "Living Room." It's made by way of steel engraving, a process that allows for incredibly fine detail. The technique involves incising an image into a steel plate, which is then used to print multiple copies. The stark contrasts and precise lines are characteristic of this method, and create a sense of depth in the depicted domestic scene. Notice the woman in the center, holding a distaff, a tool used in spinning fibers into yarn. This tells us that even within the home, labor was a constant presence. The family is surrounded by symbols of work and domesticity, hinting at the social context of the time. The image prompts us to consider the labor involved in creating both the artwork itself, and in maintaining the household it depicts. By understanding the materials, the making, and the social context, we gain a richer understanding of the print's meaning, and the complex relationship between art and everyday life.