Beroepen en ambachten 1822 - 1849

This print, Beroepen en ambachten, was created by Jan de Lange II in the early 19th century. It’s a tableau of twelve small scenes, each depicting a different trade or profession, rendered in simple lines and a muted palette of blues and browns. The composition is structured and divided into a grid, lending a sense of order to the variety of occupations portrayed. Each scene is framed, focusing our attention on the essential elements of the trade—the tools, the environment, and the figures engaged in their work. The limited color palette serves to unify the diverse scenes, creating a cohesive visual experience, but also flattens them. This print operates as a sign system, where each image represents a specific job within a growing economy. It reflects a societal structure where labor is neatly categorized and visually presented for consumption and understanding. Note how the formal qualities of the print, such as its grid-like structure and limited color scheme, contribute to a broader cultural narrative about labor and society. It suggests a world where roles are defined and visually codified, inviting viewers to interpret their place within this framework.