Tekening c. 1775

This watercolor drawing shows men transporting goods. The artist, H. Rolland, likely used traditional paper-making and painting techniques typical of the time. The image depicts a scene of labor and transport, with several men carrying large, box-like objects on their shoulders. The boxes appear to be made of wood, perhaps crafted by skilled carpenters or joiners. This labor-intensive process is evident in the construction of the boxes. The artist seems to emphasize the weight and effort involved in this form of transportation. The figures are carefully rendered, highlighting the physical strain of their work. By focusing on these everyday activities, the drawing elevates the status of manual labor and emphasizes the skill and effort required to produce and distribute goods. Ultimately, this image encourages us to consider the social context and material processes involved in the creation and consumption of goods, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.