Collage van uitgeknipte prenten geplakt op albumblad van blauw papier c. 1585 - 1700

This collage on blue paper is assembled from cut-out prints, and likely dates to the 18th century. Though we don't know who made it, it shows us a lot about the culture of collecting and reuse at the time. Prints, widely available thanks to the printing press, were a relatively inexpensive way to access imagery and information. This collage reflects a hands-on approach to consumption, transforming mass-produced items into something unique. The maker didn't just passively receive these images; they cut, arranged, and pasted, actively participating in the image's meaning. The labor of scissors and glue is evident. We can see how the collage democratizes artistry, bringing creative expression into the home, repurposing the labor of the printing press for personal, decorative ends. So, thinking about this artwork, don't just consider the images, but also the acts of selection, cutting, and arrangement. These are all meaningful acts of making.