"Only everywhere are water faucets, watering cans of any shape, shovels and pots of any size." from the Little Miseries of Human Life 1843

This print, made by J.J. Grandville, employs etching and engraving - techniques capable of capturing minute details. Look closely, and you’ll see the careful cross-hatching that creates a sense of depth, light, and shadow. The image shows an everyday street scene, bustling with activity. Common tools like watering cans, shovels, and pots litter the space, testament to the labor required to maintain the urban landscape. The artist calls our attention to these objects, elevating the status of the workers who depend on them. Their labor, though often unseen, is essential to the functioning of the city. The print underscores the importance of these everyday objects. Grandville subtly critiques the social hierarchy, highlighting the work upon which society depends. It challenges the viewer to consider the value of labor, and how the processes of production shape our environment. This piece invites us to recognize the artistic merit in the everyday, and how the careful rendering of humble objects can speak volumes about social life.