Loterijspel met beroepen c. 1850 - 1900

This is a print titled “Lottery Game of Arts and Crafts” by an anonymous artist. Prints like this one, popular in the 19th century, provide us with a glimpse into the social fabric of the time, reflecting the era’s values, norms, and the stratification of labor. Each square on the print depicts a different occupation, offering a snapshot of the roles individuals held in society, from bakers and tailors to sculptors and actors. Who had access to these jobs? Who was excluded? The artist presents archetypes rather than individuals. We can consider the absence of diversity within these trades, and what that communicates about the distribution of opportunities at the time. The figures seem to exist in a world of industry, commerce, and creativity that simultaneously celebrates and constrains its participants. Ultimately, this print is not just a game, but a time capsule, inviting us to reflect on the ever-evolving dynamics of work, identity, and belonging.