Beroepen en figuren 1866 - 1902

Franciscus Antonius Beersmans created "Beroepen en figuren", or "Professions and Figures," which is a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century society through the prism of labor. Born in the Netherlands in 1840, Beersmans' work invites us to consider the rigid class structures that defined the era. This print presents an array of professions, from the domestic sphere to the trades, hinting at the division of labor. The depiction of women in roles such as maids and seamstresses speaks volumes about the gendered expectations of the time, and the limited opportunities available to them. Beersmans offers a glimpse into a world where one’s identity was closely tied to their occupation. What does it mean to see oneself and others primarily through the work they perform? "Beroepen en figuren" invites us to reflect on how societal roles are constructed and embodied, then and now.