De IJzeren Drukpers / Aan de bezoekers der tentoonstelling te Haarlem, bij gelegenheid van het feest ter eere van Lourens Janszoon Coster, op den 15n, 16n en 17n Julij 1856 1856

Carel Godfried Withuys created this print, titled "The Iron Press," to commemorate a festival honoring Laurens Janszoon Coster in Haarlem in 1856. It was made using the very technology it celebrates: the iron printing press. The choice of material and process here is far from incidental. Before the introduction of the iron press, printing was done using wooden presses, a laborious process. This print, made with modern industrial methods, reflects a pivotal moment in the history of production. The crisp lines and uniform text, made possible by the iron press, stand in stark contrast to the irregularities of earlier printing methods. Consider the social implications: the iron press, a product of the industrial revolution, increased efficiency and output, but also altered the nature of labor. It speaks to the changing relationship between humans and machines, and the role of technology in shaping our culture. By understanding the materials, the methods, and social context, we gain a much deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this print.