Groenteverkoopster 1847 - 1865

Willem Rikkers made this print, Groenteverkoopster, using etching techniques. It's now held in the Rijksmuseum collection. The print depicts a street scene with a woman selling vegetables and captures the everyday life of the Netherlands during the 19th century. Look closely and you can see the intricate details of the architecture, clothing, and the expressions on the faces of the figures. In the 19th century, rapid urbanization and industrialization changed Dutch society, creating a divide between the wealthy and working classes. Rikkers' print reflects a growing interest in depicting scenes of ordinary people and their daily lives. Prints like these were relatively inexpensive and became popular among the growing middle class who were eager to learn about the world around them through images. By examining archival materials, newspaper articles, and other visual representations of the period, we can gain a better understanding of the social and cultural context in which Rikkers created this print.