Groep figuren voor een pakhuis in een haven c. 1787 - 1801

Jean Louis Darcis made this print, titled "Groep figuren voor een pakhuis in een haven", which translates to "Group of figures in front of a warehouse in a harbor," sometime before his death in 1801. This image captures a bustling commercial scene, representative of the economic activities of the late 18th century. However, it also offers a glimpse into the social hierarchies of the time. Notice the clear distinctions in dress, which signify the different social classes present, from the well-dressed merchant to the laborers carrying goods. These visual cues remind us of the labor and the people involved in the creation of wealth during this period. Moreover, consider the absence of women in active roles within the scene, save for background figures looking out of the window. The print creates a narrative which reflects the gendered division of labor prevalent at the time. Darcis' print provides an important visual record of the economic and social structures of his time, inviting us to reflect on the human dimensions of commerce and labor.