Vier karmodellen 1696

This print, "Vier karmodellen," shows four types of carts, and was likely made as an instructional guide by an anonymous artist. What I find interesting about this image is the attention it brings to the labor involved in early economies, and the raw materials required for trade and infrastructure. The carts themselves are simple constructions of wood, assembled with a clear understanding of material properties. Notice the iron banding on the wheels, a detail that speaks to the blacksmith's crucial role. Consider how the image contrasts craft and industry, highlighting the amount of work involved in the production process. The carts for mud, wine, and old wares point to an individualized, pre-industrial mode. By contrast, the cart used to move beer to Holland shows the beginnings of specialized transportation networks. The print reveals the amount of work involved in pre-industrial transit. It's a reminder that even everyday objects have a rich history embedded in their materials and making.