Zoo'n streel! / De kleine marketentster c. 1902

Curator: Right, let's dive into this fascinating print dating back to around 1902, bearing two intriguing titles: "Zoo'n streel!" and "De kleine marketentster," or "The Little Shopkeeper." It's the work of A. Chauffour. Editor: My first thought? It's got this lovely, almost archaic charm. These little panels are like frozen moments in a slightly absurd play. A very charming, odd play. Curator: Absolutely! Each section unfolds a tiny narrative, a glimpse into social encounters. "Zoo'n streel!", presents as a series of domestic vignettes while "De kleine marketentster," is a visual short story. I see the top panels depicting middle class family interactions and in the lower panels it shifts, showing scenes of soldiers and…a rather young-looking shopkeeper. There’s almost a contrast being explored. Editor: I am charmed by the way those rounded panels above feel distinct. And while the second part shows war, and could become all gloom, Chauffour has decided to showcase the absurdity of these military officers having a fight with someone they clearly undervalue. It turns into a fun little scene. Curator: It speaks volumes, doesn’t it, about how the artist perceived social roles and hierarchies. Here we have what appears as normal daily activities depicted in sequence. By juxtaposing them the artist offers commentary on society’s complexities. The way class differences influence everyday existence. Editor: And in that final shot from the bottom story, it really plays with how the little shopkeeper remains there in defiance to all their soldiers walking away! She's alone and looking over all the mess. How very melancholic. She must have a certain awareness she shouldn't be there? Perhaps she is dreaming it all? Curator: Yes! With their dated fashions they can feel a world away from us. Editor: It is quite remarkable how much story and social insight is packed into these little panels, isn't it? They almost feel like…dreams? Curator: Exactly. Each little vignette prompts to reflect upon human connections in a fast changing time.