Figuren en bezigheden 1828 - 1849

This print titled Figuren en bezigheden, or Figures and Activities, was made by Erve Wijsmuller in Amsterdam using the technique of etching. Each of the twelve scenes on this sheet is brought to life through the careful application of color, enhancing the lines etched into the paper. The etcher's tools, and printing press, each leave a distinct mark. The even lines of text are in stark contrast to the more organic depictions of human labor, and life events on the sheet. This intimate portrayal of daily life, from farming and fishing to domestic scenes, offers a window into the world of ordinary people. Each scene resonates with a tactile quality, reflecting the labor and social interactions that were part of the process. Understanding the material and its making invites us to think about the labor and context embedded within the artwork, and enriches our understanding of both its artistic and cultural worth.