Vervaardiger van houten tonnen aan het werk op straat c. 1850 - 1880

This stereoscopic photograph captures a craftsman meticulously shaping wooden barrels. The image is rich with symbols of labor and the tools of a cooper. The arrangement of the barrels, both finished and in progress, speaks to a cycle of production, an ancient rhythm found in various forms across cultures. Consider the vessel itself. From antiquity, the barrel—a symbol of containment and preservation—has carried wine, oil, and grains, sustaining communities. Its form echoes the curves of the human body, suggesting fertility and abundance. In ancient rites, containers like these were often imbued with spiritual significance, seen as vessels of life and transformation. This photograph connects us to countless generations of artisans. The cooper's focused posture and careful hand movements evoke a timeless pursuit. This image becomes more than a mere record; it’s a potent reminder of our shared heritage, a cultural memory etched in wood and light.