Technisch figuren van persen en zijdehaspels 1832 - 1859

Daniël Veelwaard created this technical drawing of presses and silk reels sometime in the 19th century. During this period, the Netherlands was undergoing significant industrial development, and Veelwaard, an Amsterdam-based draftsman, was very active in this transformation. This drawing reflects the spirit of the Industrial Revolution, focusing on the intricate mechanics of the machines transforming labor and production. The silk industry, in particular, was deeply embedded in global trade networks and colonial exploitation, connecting the demand for luxury goods with often invisible labor. While Veelwaard’s drawing highlights technical progress, it also prompts us to consider the human element. Who operated these machines? What were their working conditions? This intersection of art and industry challenges us to reflect on the human cost of progress and how industrialization reshaped social and economic structures. The drawing invites us to contemplate both the ingenuity and the social consequences of technological advancement, prompting reflection on its lasting impact.