De boeren en de ezel c. 1843 - 1920

This print, "The Farmers and the Donkey," was made by Moritz von Schwind using a technique called wood engraving, which involves carving an image into a block of wood and then using it to make prints. In this work, the linear quality of the engraving emphasizes the narrative, leading our eye through each scene of the tale. The detailed craftsmanship and repetitive nature of printmaking allowed for wider distribution of images and stories to a broad audience. Prints like this one played a vital role in disseminating both moral tales and visual culture, connecting with issues of labor and class by making art accessible to people beyond the elite. It’s a reminder that the value of art isn't just in its aesthetic appeal, but also in how it reflects and shapes the society around it.