Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse straatveegsters, 1854 1854

This 1854 print, made by an anonymous artist and printed by F.G.L. Holst, depicts Amsterdam street sweepers during a festival. It’s fascinating to consider this image within its historical moment, during a time of significant social and economic change in Amsterdam. The print offers a glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals, whose labor was essential to the city’s functioning. The figures are shown performing their daily tasks. Consider the gendered division of labor, as women are also pictured contributing to the cleaning efforts. The artist captures a moment of everyday life, while also hinting at the broader social dynamics at play in the city. The poem below the image, speaks about the joy the festival brings to the city's residents, offering a momentary escape from the hardships of daily life, while acknowledging that not everyone can participate equally in the festivities. This work encourages us to reflect on the complex interplay between labor, leisure, and social class in 19th-century Amsterdam.