Figuren, beroepen en ambachtslieden 1822 - 1849

This print, made by Jan de Lange II, showcases various figures, occupations, and trades. Each character performs tasks typical of their profession, and their clothing represents their status. Consider the figure of the blacksmith: with hammer raised and muscles flexed. This image of strength echoes across centuries, from the mythical Vulcan forging arms for the gods to the modern-day laborer. But observe the subtle shift: Vulcan embodies divine power, while this blacksmith represents earthly toil. The gesture of striking is repeated and transformed; we find it in religious iconography – Saint George slaying the dragon – and in political propaganda – a worker crushing the bourgeoisie. Such transformations reveal how collective memory works. Symbols persist, adapting to new contexts. These figures engage us not merely as historical records, but as echoes of archetypal roles that continue to resonate within our collective psyche. Their faces, though simple, elicit feelings of empathy, determination, and perhaps, a longing for simpler times.