Drukkerij Kotting. Straatbiljetten 1909 - 1913

Arnold van Roessel created this poster for Drukkerij Kotting, a printing company, likely in the early 20th century. The image evokes the Dutch Golden Age through its attire and the printing press. It merges past and present in its use of modern advertising techniques for a contemporary business. Consider the gendered division of labor typically associated with printing. Traditionally, it was a male-dominated field. Here, the figure's androgynous appearance might challenge conventional gender roles. Is this a deliberate commentary, or simply a stylistic choice? The printer is shown in a moment of intense concentration, hand-crafting the posters. What does this imply about the value of labor in an age of increasing industrialization? The visual language taps into a sense of national pride by referencing a rich cultural heritage while promoting a modern commercial enterprise. It encourages us to reflect on the relationship between historical identity, artistic representation, and the evolving landscape of work and commerce.