Verschillende figuren c. 1822 - 1849

This hand-colored etching, made in the Netherlands by Alexander Cranendoncq around the early to mid-19th century, depicts nine different figures accompanied by short rhyming verses. The figures represent different occupations and social roles prevalent at the time. We see women doing laundry and selling flowers, men fishing and delivering water, and even a jester. Consider how these figures reflect the social structure and economic activities of Dutch society during that period. Each figure seems to be a member of the working classes. The verses below the pictures give an indication of the social norms and values associated with those professions. Understanding this print requires research into the history of Dutch printmaking and popular culture. By studying archival records and contemporary accounts, we can gain insights into the social conditions that shaped its production and reception. Through careful historical analysis, we can appreciate the print not just as a work of art but as a window into the past.