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

This print, made by Lutkie & Cranenburg, depicts a series of street vendors, each peddling their wares. It seems to be made through a combination of line drawing and hand coloring, a relatively inexpensive method of production that allowed for the broad distribution of images. What’s interesting here is the focus on labor, specifically, the informal economy. The images show workers carrying heavy loads: fish, milk, potatoes, and other goods essential to daily life. The backbreaking nature of the work is apparent, especially for the women depicted. These vendors occupied a marginal position in the Dutch economy; their labor was essential, yet they were often subject to exploitation. The print underscores how the production and distribution of everyday goods relies on a whole system of labor. By focusing on these tradespeople, the artists draw our attention to the often invisible hands that contribute to the functioning of society. It's a reminder that even the simplest things we consume have a complex history of human effort behind them.