Pannenkoekenbakster 1655 - 1700

Editor: This etching, "Pannenkoekenbakster" by Jan van Somer, dating back to somewhere between 1655 and 1700, gives us a peek into a domestic scene. The textures and shading create a wonderfully moody atmosphere, focusing in on the materiality of everyday life. How can we interpret the labor embedded in such an ordinary activity, such as making pancakes? Curator: Notice how the process of pancake making isn't romanticized. It’s presented as labor, we see the cook and other individuals are shown involved, maybe family. How might the artist be commenting on the working class through the choice of materials, in this case, ink and paper to represent food preparation? The humble materials elevates this ordinary scene. Editor: I see what you mean. By focusing on the craft of the etching itself, Van Somer directs our attention to the materials that bring even this mundane act to life, paper, etching, labor all play a role. Curator: Exactly. The material reality of Dutch Golden Age daily life, captured through accessible printmaking techniques, challenges that separation between ‘high’ art and everyday life. The way an ordinary scene turns into fine art, shows us art’s social value through distribution, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Absolutely. The image democratizes art by depicting common folk doing their ordinary tasks; accessible in its subject matter as well as its physical presence in that time. By using an everyday etching technique like this. So, art and life are intertwined. Curator: Precisely. It encourages viewers to consider art's relationship with social and material conditions, extending art's role into a medium that depicts labor. Editor: This has given me a fresh view. It shows how simple methods can comment on bigger cultural patterns and socio-economic values. Curator: Likewise. Focusing on such simple art gives insight into class representation in art through medium and material.