Huisselijke bezigheden 1856 - 1900

"Huisselijke bezigheden," or "Household Activities," is an undated print by Glenisson & Zonen, presenting a grid of vignettes in simple black lines. The stark contrast between the ink and the paper establishes a visual language of clarity, yet it also emphasizes the rigid structures of daily life. Each scene is neatly framed, suggesting order, while within, women engage in various domestic tasks: tending to children, cleaning, spinning, and preparing food. The composition uses repetition and symmetry, which may seem visually pleasing at first glance, but also alludes to the monotonous, cyclical nature of their duties. The grid itself acts as a signifier, organizing and categorizing these activities, almost as if to control the narrative. Does this orderly representation challenge or reinforce the societal norms of the time? Perhaps Glenisson & Zonen invite us to reflect on the invisible labor that structures domestic spaces. Art like this reminds us that what we see on the surface is but one layer of interpretation.