Olijfpers c. 1598

"Olijfpers" ("Olive Press"), an engraving by Jan (II) Collaert from around 1598, depicts a bustling scene of olive oil production. The detailed print showcases a variety of figures engaged in different stages of the process, from crushing olives with a mill to pressing them with a screw press. The use of animals, including a cow and donkey, highlights the manual labor involved. Collaert's work, known for its meticulous detail and illustrative qualities, provides a glimpse into the daily life and industry of the 16th century. This engraving is a fine example of the genre of "genre scenes" that flourished in Northern Europe during the Renaissance.