Kalligrafie met de spreuk "Een onvermoeide arbeid komt alles te boven", 1786 1786

Carel Frederik Konsé created this calligraphic print in 1786. It bears the Dutch saying "Een onvermoeide arbeid komt alles te boven," meaning "Tireless labor conquers all." Made with ink on paper, the print showcases Konsé's mastery of line and form. Look closely at the intricate flourishes and elaborate letterforms. These details suggest a labor-intensive process, demanding not only skill but also patience. The phrase itself becomes a testament to the value of hard work, reflecting the social and economic values of the time. Notice how the lettering is interwoven with decorative elements like foliage and miniature scenes, almost transforming the text into a meticulously crafted object. Consider the social context: calligraphy was a highly valued skill, often associated with record-keeping and religious practice, but here it is elevated to an art form. By examining the material, the making, and the cultural context of this print, we begin to see how labor, skill, and social values intersect in a work that transcends the traditional boundaries between craft and fine art.