Man aan een weefgetouw voor het maken van linten 1747

This undated print by Frans de Bakker depicts a man operating a ribbon-weaving loom. The image offers a glimpse into the world of labor and production in an era defined by emerging industrial practices. At its heart, this image confronts us with questions of identity. The depiction of labor invites reflection on the experiences and social status of workers in this period, and how their identities were shaped by their occupations. During the early stages of industrialization, labor often intersected with issues of class, gender, and even race. The work required strength and precision, qualities that were often gendered. This image may seem like a straightforward depiction of a man at work, but it subtly reflects the complex interplay of societal expectations, labor, and identity during a transformative period in history. We are left to ponder the silent stories of those whose lives were woven into the fabric of labor.