Eentoonigheid verveelt, verwisseling streelt het oog. / Dat dus dees nieuwe print u Jeugd vermaken moog. / Il faut à la jeunesse souvent du changement / Et c'est leur procurer un grand amusement 1833 - 1900

This print, made by Glenisson & Zonen, probably dates to the 19th century. Its title, which translates roughly to “Variety delights the eye," gives you a good sense of its purpose as an amusing diversion. The printmaking technique used here is likely wood engraving or etching, which allowed for relatively quick reproduction. These techniques made images accessible to a broad public, creating a visual culture beyond the realm of unique, handmade artworks. The relatively simple line work would have been printed in black and then colored afterward, probably by hand, with stencils. The use of relatively inexpensive materials and reproductive techniques like these speaks to a growing market for printed imagery and to the increasing industrialization of art production. This print reflects how traditional artistry meets the demands of commerce. It challenges the notion of art as solely the product of individual genius, instead highlighting its role in broader social and economic systems.