Alles behalve goede vrienden c. 1843 - 1920

This print, "Alles behalve goede vrienden", was created by K. Braun and F. Schneider, and is part of the Rijksmuseum collection. It employs the graphic precision of engraving to weave together seemingly disparate scenes into a unified narrative. The composition is structured into distinct panels, each a vignette that contributes to the overall theme. The detailed linework and contrasting shades of black and white create a visually rich surface, drawing the eye across the scenes of whimsical narrative. Each panel operates as a sign, contributing to a larger semiotic structure that invites decoding. The piece destabilizes conventional notions of friendship by juxtaposing scenes of betrayal and deceit. The imagery prompts a re-evaluation of social contracts and moral expectations through a collection of tales. The formal quality of the print, with its dense, organized chaos, underscores the complex relationships it portrays, challenging the viewer to find meaning within its structure.