Spreekwoorden 1850

Jan Schuitemaker’s “Spreekwoorden” is a printed page, made using engraving or etching techniques – processes deeply tied to the rise of mass media. Instead of a unique artwork, this is a multiple, designed for wide distribution. The image is a series of vignettes paired with text, illustrating proverbs. The stark lines and contrast typical of printmaking define the aesthetic, with each scene carefully rendered to convey its moral message. The very nature of printmaking—its ability to reproduce images rapidly—mirrors the spread of knowledge and cultural values during the industrial era. Think about the labor involved in creating this piece. While Schuitemaker was the artist, the actual printing would have involved skilled workers operating presses, a process of mechanization that transformed the nature of work itself. The availability of such prints also democratized access to art and education, although this was limited. By focusing on its making, we see how “Spreekwoorden” isn't just art; it's a product of its time, reflecting changes in technology, labor, and the very idea of what art could be.