Mandenmakers in hun werkplaats 1705 - 1775

Johann Georg Hertel created this print, "Basket Makers in their Workshop," sometime in the 18th century. During this period, depictions of trades and everyday labor became increasingly popular. This image offers a glimpse into the lives of artisans, who often remained invisible in the grand narratives of history. We see two men deeply engrossed in their craft, their workshop filled with the tools and materials of their trade. Their faces, though etched in fine lines, convey a sense of concentration and pride in their work. Consider the socio-economic structure of the time: these artisans were part of a working class, their livelihoods dependent on their skills and the demands of the market. Hertel’s decision to portray these workers elevates their status, offering a counter-narrative to the dominant representations of the era, typically focused on nobility or religious subjects. While seemingly simple, the print quietly acknowledges the dignity of labor and the humanity of those who shaped the material culture of their time.