Elk van deez' nuttige bedrijven / Dient om de menschen te gerijven 1848 - 1881

This lithograph by Lutkie & Cranenburg presents a tableau of Dutch trades, each framed in its own mini-narrative of daily commerce. The layout is structured, arranged in a grid that mimics the order of a well-organized marketplace. The artists use a minimal palette—primary yellows and blues, offset by muted reds. Note how the composition is segmented, with each scene acting as a self-contained unit. Yet, despite this separation, there's a cohesive rhythm achieved through the repetition of color and form. The lithograph flattens perspective, reducing depth in favor of surface design. This aligns with the print's function, likely intended for educational purposes, where clarity and recognizability trump illusionism. It offers a glimpse into a world where labor and industry are neatly categorized. In this structured presentation, we see a reflection of the Dutch emphasis on order and industriousness. The print invites us to contemplate the value placed on different forms of work. Its simplistic style and clear organization leaves a lasting impression of a society carefully arranged.