Deugden 1828 - 1913

This print, titled 'Deugden', or 'Virtues,' was made by Erve Wijsmuller. While the exact date is unknown, the relatively simple printmaking process gives us a clue about its social context. The image consists of eight scenes, each representing a virtue such as friendship, love, or hope. It was printed onto paper using a technique called woodcut, where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto the surface. The woodcut technique allowed for mass production and distribution, making the print accessible to a wide audience. The relatively coarse lines and simple compositions suggest that this was not intended as a high art object, but rather as an affordable and educational tool for moral instruction. The virtues depicted in the print reflect the values and beliefs of the time, emphasizing the importance of personal qualities, social relationships, and religious faith. Considering the modest materials and production processes, we can appreciate how these were instrumental to its cultural purpose, blurring the lines between art, craft, and popular culture.