De algemeene drukkery / Le besoin general 1806 - 1814

This print, "De algemeene drukkery / Le besoin general," was created by W. G. van de Sande, and presents a grid-like composition of miniature scenes, each enclosed in its own frame. The figures, rendered with delicate lines, are lightly tinted with colour, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The composition and framing of each scene highlights the systemic arrangement of societal types, each consumed by their particular 'need', whether it be for drink, status, or company. The semiotic system at play here is fascinating. Van de Sande uses clothing, posture, and expression as signs to convey social roles and desires. These aren't just portraits; they're structural commentaries on the human condition and the societal forces acting upon individuals. Ultimately, the print uses formal means to suggest that social identity is itself a kind of print, pressed upon individuals by external forces, challenging fixed meanings and engaging with how we perceive representation within society.