Hoe de slangbrandspuit en pomp in het brandspuithuisje opgeborgen dienen te worden na gebruik, ca. 1720 Possibly 1712 - 1882

This print, made around 1720 by an anonymous artist, depicts a fire hose and pump meticulously stored in a firehouse. Its creation involved techniques of engraving to produce a series of lines and marks on a metal plate, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper. Notice how the precise lines and detailed rendering highlight the craftsmanship involved in both the creation of the print and the fire-fighting equipment itself. The print functions almost as a manual, emphasizing the importance of organization and maintenance in civic life. The material of the print, being relatively cheap and reproducible, democratized this knowledge and made it widely accessible. We might consider how such images contributed to a sense of collective responsibility and public safety, essential for the social and economic life of the city. This print encourages us to appreciate the everyday objects that shape our lives, and recognize the value of craft in the service of community.