Dus werkt de warmoezier, wiens vlyt op vruchten hoopt, / Tot hy 't volgroeid gewas ter markt om winst verkoopt 1715 - 1813

This print, made by erven weduwe Cornelis Stichter, depicts the life and work of a market gardener. The imagery is dominated by scenes of labor and commerce, showcasing the cyclical nature of cultivation. The prominent symbols – soil, seeds, plants, and currency – represent a transfer of vitality between nature and humanity. These elements are deeply rooted in agrarian societies throughout history. We find similar motifs in ancient Egyptian art, where depictions of harvesting and trade symbolized prosperity and the continuation of life. What strikes me is how the act of nurturing growth from seed to harvest evokes a psychological connection. The gardener's labor carries a sense of hope and fulfillment and resonates with our innate desire to shape and cultivate our environment. This image is not merely a depiction of work, but a reflection of our complex relationship with nature and commerce. It is an eternal cycle, evolving with each passing era.