Sloten before 1878

David van der Kellen produced this print of 'Sloten,' or 'Locks,' in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. The image depicts three intricate lock mechanisms, each a marvel of engineering and design. Consider the social context: in an era of increasing urbanization and industrialization, personal property became more valuable and the need for security grew. The Dutch, with their rich trading history, had long been innovators in security technology, and images like this one played a role in showcasing their expertise. The very act of documenting these locks elevates them from mere functional objects to works of art and national pride. Studying Van der Kellen's prints, along with trade records, patent filings, and social histories of crime and security, offers a richer understanding of the values and anxieties of 19th-century Dutch society. Art, as this print demonstrates, is always contingent on its social and institutional context.