St. Nicolaas 1848 - 1881

This print, titled St. Nicolaas, was made by Lutkie & Cranenburg, using a printing process. The simple lines and flat colors suggest a fairly direct method, probably a form of lithography. This technique allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making them accessible to a wide audience. The subject matter is decidedly populist; it shows St. Nicholas in various scenes. But consider the amount of labor that went into the making of this piece: from the artist’s design to the printing process, and the distribution of the final product. Each stage involved human skill and effort, often unseen by the consumer. In its own way, this simple print reflects the dynamics of labor, production, and consumption that shape our world. This artwork demonstrates that everyday imagery, like fine art, has its own social and economic context. The very materials and methods used to create it are a part of its story.