Huisselijke bezigheden 1856 - 1900

This print, entitled *Huisselijke bezigheden,* was made by Glenisson & Zonen with woodcut and stencil. The print portrays typical household activities. The method of production is especially relevant. Woodcut is an accessible medium. Compared to engraving, it doesn't require specialized tools and skills. Stenciling is equally efficient. These techniques enabled the mass production of images, catering to a broad audience. The aesthetic is likewise direct, in keeping with the print's function as a visual record of domestic labor. Note the women spinning yarn, sweeping floors, and churning butter. All of the hard work that went into running a home. The print gives us insight into the daily lives of ordinary people. Recognizing the skill and work in the production process helps us appreciate its cultural significance. We can move beyond traditional art boundaries, to understand the important relationship between art, everyday life, and the lives of those who produce it.