Visverkoopster op een kade 1847 - 1865

This print, titled "Visverkoopster op een kade," or "Fishmonger on a Quay," was made by an anonymous artist. It’s a reminder that printmaking, a process involving technical skill and labor, has long been used to depict everyday life. Look closely, and you'll notice the intricate details achieved through the printmaking process. The sharp lines define the figures, the architectural backdrop, and the textures of the baskets filled with fish. The image is made of many tiny engraved marks, which in turn create an entire world. This print invites us to consider the social context of labor. The fishmongers, likely working-class individuals, are captured in their daily routine. Printmaking itself was a labor-intensive craft, often involving collaboration between artists, engravers, and printers. It’s a reminder of the skilled hands that brought images like these to a wider audience, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the crafts.