Twee mannen met bundels vacht op hun rug Possibly 1650

Editor: This is "Two Men with Bundles of Hide on Their Backs" by Harmen ter Borch, possibly from 1650, and it's at the Rijksmuseum. It's an ink and pen drawing and the thing that strikes me most is the material being transported – these huge bundles that look like wool, or some other natural material. What can we tell from what they’re carrying, about the economy and labour practices of the time? Curator: That's a fantastic question! From a materialist perspective, this image provides a window into the Dutch Golden Age's economy and labor. What kind of labor would necessitate moving such heavy bundles? Consider the textiles of the time. The Netherlands had a thriving textile industry, processing raw materials imported from all over the world. Editor: So you think this might relate to the production of fabric, or something similar? Curator: Possibly. It invites us to consider the entire chain of production. From the agricultural labor involved in raising these animals, the possible tanneries where their hides were processed, the system for transporting those raw goods, and the craftsmanship that ultimately converted them into finished items, there's an implied economic engine churning behind the two men depicted. This drawing elevates their labor by granting these laborers center stage. The labor, material, and social contexts are inseparable. Editor: I never considered how much a simple sketch could say about economic history! Thinking about those supply chains and raw materials definitely opens up a different understanding of the work, thank you! Curator: Absolutely. By analyzing the materials and processes depicted in art, we gain a richer understanding of past societies. And that helps us understand contemporary societies.