De verkeerde wereld 1770 - 1794

This image, titled "De verkeerde wereld" or "The Wrong World," was made by Erven Hendrik van der Putte, using woodcut printmaking, with added color. The material here—paper—is crucial. This wasn't a precious, unique artwork, but a relatively inexpensive, reproducible broadsheet. The image, comprised of twelve scenes, each with an inscription, shows topsy-turvy events: animals behaving like humans, and vice versa. These topsy-turvy images were printed and circulated in the 17th century. The woodcut technique, with its bold lines, allowed for relatively quick production. In a world of strict social hierarchies, the "wrong world" offered a carnivalesque release, but also a commentary on society's imbalances. Consider the labor involved: the cutting of the woodblock, the printing process, and the distribution of these sheets, making the image a product of skilled craft. These images provide insight into the social landscape of the time, blurring the lines between high art and popular culture.