Kinders wilt voor al dees printe koopen / Want hier ziet gy veelderly menschen loopen 1725 - 1780

This print, made by Johannes Kannewet, was created using woodcut, a process where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then printed onto paper. This technique was commonly used for mass production. The material qualities of the wood, and the skill of the cutter, deeply influence the image. Here, we see the rough, graphic quality that is characteristic of the medium. This print presents a variety of figures, each engaged in different forms of labor and commerce. We see vendors, tradespeople, and others going about their daily lives, with a clear interest in depicting everyday life, and perhaps selling this print to children. Woodcut, as a relatively inexpensive method, allowed for the wide distribution of images, thus connecting the world of labor, politics, and consumption in a very direct way. This print provides insight into the social and economic fabric of its time, showing us that even seemingly simple images can tell complex stories about work, life, and the circulation of imagery.