Het is een algemeen bevel / voor elk een; te weeten: / Die niet wil werken / (zegt Paulus/) zal ook niet eeten 1767 - 1793

This print, "Het is een algemeen bevel," was created by Erven Hendrik van der Putte. It is an intriguing work, primarily due to its organized structure and the semiotic content conveyed through each framed scene. The print is structured into a grid of small, individual scenes. This format organizes a series of vignettes that, together, deliver a message about labour and sustenance. Each scene features a different occupation or trade. This variety is bound by a unified theme of work as the means to survival, emphasizing a structured, almost systematic view of society. The use of simple lines and the selective application of color enhance each scene's clarity, ensuring that the depicted action is easily understood. The print operates as a visual system, where each scene is a signifier. The overall message reflects a societal structure that values labor and condemns idleness. It echoes a religious or moral decree through its presentation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to a structured way of life for communal well-being. As you reflect on this piece, consider how its formal structure and organization are crucial to conveying its message. The print invites us to consider the values and beliefs that underpin societal structures.