Alfred in de herdershut 1828 - 1829

This print, “Alfred in de herdershut”, was made by James Mitchell. The image is a complex network of engraved lines, a demonstration of skill, and also a kind of translation. It presents the scene as it was originally painted. The print gives us a lot of information about hierarchies, too. Look how the royal figure of Alfred, though in disguise, is centrally placed. And consider the labor on display: the woman on the left, kneading dough, and the one crouched by the fire. These people are not simply picturesque. They represent the everyday efforts that sustain society. In contrast, we have Alfred, who appears exempt from such toil. The very qualities of the print—its reproducible nature, its detailed technique—speak to broader social dynamics of production and consumption. It invites us to consider the unseen labor that underpins the artwork and the world it represents.