Gekostumeerde optocht van 1841: ridders (blad XIV) 1841

This print, "Gekostumeerde optocht van 1841: ridders," was created by an anonymous artist, depicting a costumed procession of knights. It’s made with ink on paper. What's striking is the artist's use of line and color to convey the texture and weight of the costumes and armor. It evokes the skilled labor required to produce such garments. The artist carefully details the heraldic symbols, and the different professional attires of the members of the procession. Though a print, it offers a glimpse into the material culture of the time, alluding to the economics of labor, politics, and consumption embedded in the production of clothing, musical instruments, and the printed image itself. Paying attention to the materials, making processes, and social context allows us to see this artwork as more than just an image. It challenges any rigid distinction between fine art and craft.