Drie voorstellingen 1809 - 1869

Alexander Cranendoncq created this woodblock depicting three scenes sometime in the first half of the 19th century, likely in the Netherlands. This block was a means to an end, used to mass produce images on paper. The scenes give us a snapshot of the era: the quiet contemplation of nature, the hustle and bustle of urban life, and the reflective intellectualism of a scholar. What values did this society hold in high regard, and wish to reproduce and share? Printing technology, as an institution, played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and circulating ideas. The Rijksmuseum, where this woodblock resides today, is another institution that influences how we understand art and its history. Historians would analyze printed materials from the period to understand the social function of prints like these. Only by understanding the purpose of the block can we truly understand the art.