Liedje van den kleinen Sebastiaan 1850 - 1881

This is a page from "Prenten-Magazijn voor de Jeugd," or "Print Magazine for Youth," by D. Noothoven van Goor, published in Leiden. Produced using printing technology, the image is more than just a picture; it reflects a sophisticated method of mass production. Look closely and you'll see the lines created with etching techniques, turning the artwork into an affordable object for a broader audience. These images, probably mass produced by waged workers, are telling of the industrial context in which the work was created. The images depict scenes of leisure, offering a peek into the past. The depicted "Kermisvermakelijkheden" or "funfair amusements" such as the crowds, the food stalls, and the Turkish ship, are a reflection of daily life. By examining this piece, we consider the cultural and economic context of its creation. This approach encourages us to look beyond conventional ideas about what art is, and to acknowledge the value of craft, labor, and social life as vital elements of artistic expression.