Het vermaak der kinderen 1791 - 1812

This print, "Het vermaak der kinderen," or "The amusement of children," was created by Dirk van Lubeek in the 18th century. It's an etching, meaning the design was incised into a metal plate, probably copper, then printed onto paper. Notice the crisp lines, achieved by carefully drawing with a sharp tool. The texture of the paper itself adds to the artwork’s character, a far cry from today’s smooth, digital prints. The scene is full of the everyday labor of children - tending to animals, playing with pets. Prints like this were relatively affordable, allowing access to imagery for a wider audience. While not “high art,” they show a sophisticated understanding of design and production, providing a window into the social life and labor of the time. Appreciating prints like this challenges the idea that art exists separately from craft and the common person.