De nieuwe hedendaagsche ambachten 1761 - 1804

This print, titled "The New Contemporary Crafts," was created by Erven de Weduwe Jacobus van Egmont in Amsterdam. It presents a visual compendium of trades, offering a glimpse into the economic life of the Dutch Republic. Each small vignette depicts a different craft, from printing and tailoring to barrel-making and baking, revealing the specialized labor that sustained the era's burgeoning economy. The print underscores the importance of guilds and artisanal production, which played a crucial role in shaping social structures. By showcasing the diversity of labor, the artist effectively provides a snapshot of Dutch society in the 18th or 19th century. Understanding this print requires delving into Amsterdam's economic history, including the archives of guilds and merchant organizations. This in turn sheds light on the social hierarchies and the complex relationship between labor, capital, and civic life.