Collage van knipselkunst 1687

This intriguing collage, made with cut paper by Cornelis Schellinger in 1687, presents a world of stark contrasts. The medium is simple: paper, ink, and skillful cutting. Yet the scenes depicted are rich with social commentary. Observe how the black and white paper shapes define figures engaged in various activities – hunting, labor, and perhaps even warfare. The silhouettes, sharply delineated, evoke a sense of drama, while the act of cutting itself, with its precision and control, mirrors the social hierarchies of the time. Paper, though humble, becomes a powerful tool to capture the nuances of class, politics, and consumption. Consider the labor involved in this piece. The artist meticulously transforms a common material into a complex composition, imbuing it with layers of meaning. It is through this combination of material, making, and context that the collage truly comes alive, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between craft and fine art.