Nieuw Arlequin spel by Lutkie & Cranenburg

Nieuw Arlequin spel

1848 - 1881

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Artwork details

Medium
print, woodcut
Dimensions
height 390 mm, width 315 mm
Location
Rijksmuseum
Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Tags

#narrative-art#print#ukiyo-e#figuration#woodcut#genre-painting

About this artwork

This is an image of a game, Nieuw Arlequin spel, printed by Lutkie & Cranenburg. The processes involved in making it include graphic design, engraving, and printing. Notice the figure at the center, whose body is composed of diamond shapes in yellow and blue, typical of Harlequin's costume from commedia dell'arte. The material qualities of the print — its flat, graphic nature and limited color palette — affect the appearance of the final artwork. The production of such prints would have involved a division of labor, with different craftsmen responsible for the design, engraving, and printing. These prints were likely made in multiples, tying into wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The game's mass production makes it accessible, reflecting the shift towards a consumer culture. Ultimately, this print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, as the same processes and materials could be used for both decorative and functional objects.

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