Zie in deez' prent de vrolijkheid van Saertje Jans de keukenmeid / Voyez ici les joyeuses maniere de mlle Maregot cuisinière 1856 - 1900

Editor: Here we have a print from between 1856 and 1900 attributed to Glenisson & Zonen, called "Zie in deez' prent de vrolijkheid van Saertje Jans de keukenmeid." It’s almost like a little comic strip! What strikes me is the use of space. The figures are so animated, especially with the simple colors and contained spaces. What story do you think it’s trying to tell? Curator: Well, first off, isn’t it wonderful how a simple image can evoke so much feeling! It’s interesting that it is dated back to the late 19th century. When I look at this, I can’t help but imagine the life of a domestic worker at that time. The panel layout is reminiscent of a folk tale unfolding, don't you think? The poses are just slightly exaggerated in such a delicious manner...makes one think that it almost doesn't care, as if these panels could burst apart at any minute with delight! It’s hard to ignore that most of the image’s storytelling happens via action—which means that, regardless of language barriers or literacy levels during the time, it communicates an immediate idea of energy, exuberance. Editor: It’s interesting to consider the work without worrying so much about words! Curator: Yes! Isn’t it also charming how such basic use of color adds to the sense of a story being told almost exclusively through the act of movement. Like the gestures and shapes somehow echo the feeling of childhood? Editor: Now that you mention it, yes. It brings a whimsical lightness, even despite its subject matter of everyday labor. I like that a lot. Curator: Precisely. I am leaving with such warm and sunny feelings! Editor: Me too, it was interesting seeing this in a different light.