Ambachten en beroepen 1822 - 1849

This print, “Ambachten en beroepen,” meaning crafts and professions, was made in Amsterdam. We don’t know the precise date or maker, but we can still glean a lot from its material character. The print is made from an inked plate, likely copper or wood, pressed onto paper. Notice the stark lines and the simplicity of the forms. This was not meant as a precious object, but as an affordable and reproducible item. Each of the small scenes depicts a different trade, from tailoring to butchering, giving us a glimpse into the world of labor in the early modern period. The print’s very existence speaks to a burgeoning economy, where images could be circulated and consumed. It’s a reminder that art is not just about individual expression, but also about the social and economic contexts in which it is made and used.