Ambachten 1875 - 1903

This print, "Ambachten" by Jan de Haan, shows a collection of drawings that illustrate various trades. Consider the image of the blacksmith, "De smid," hammering at his forge. It echoes Hephaestus, the Greek god of the forge, a figure who embodies skill and labor, and whose image resonates through the ages. We see this same archetype in countless forms— from medieval guilds to modern-day industrial workers. Each time, the hammering signifies not just work, but the power to shape and transform. The presence of the artisans conveys a powerful message about the collective subconscious and the importance of skilled labor in society. This cyclical progression underscores the enduring nature of human creativity and the relentless drive to shape the world around us. These images evoke feelings of resilience, determination, and the satisfaction of working with one's hands.