Ambachten, bedrijven 1861 - 1929

This lithograph titled ‘Ambachten, bedrijven’ was created by Albertus Willem Sijthoff. The composition of the work is strikingly organized; it separates different scenes of labour into discrete visual fields. The arrangement invites a reading of the divisions between trades and the broader societal structures they represent. Notice the lines and form, how they delineate each scene, presenting trades such as smithing, coopering, and laundering. Each segment operates as a sign, contributing to a larger narrative about labour and industry. Sijthoff seems to reflect on the changing socio-economic landscape. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture. The meticulous rendering of tools and workers suggests an almost scientific examination, typical of the 19th century's positivist approach to understanding the world. This lithograph engages with broader questions about the role of work in shaping identity and society.