De boeren kermis-vreugd 1842 - 1866

This print, "De boeren kermis-vreugd," was made by the widow C. Kok-van Kolm. The print is characterized by an elaborate mode of production and circulation. The material is humble: ink on paper. Yet, it is the printing process that gives it its power. Each of the scenes were likely incised into a copper plate through labor-intensive engraving. This allowed for the mass production of images, and, in turn, the transmission of cultural values. Note that these are scenes of peasant life: drinking, revelry, and occasional violence. By presenting this imagery in a format that could reach a wide audience, the artist tapped into a market for depictions of everyday life. The print becomes a form of cultural commentary. Ultimately, it's the combination of material, technique, and social context that allows us to fully appreciate the image and the cultural dynamics it represents.