Blad S/T/U/V en blad W/IJ/Z en besluit 1821 - 1823

This print was made by Philippus Velijn, probably around the turn of the 19th century. It's a fascinating example of intaglio printing, where the design is etched into a metal plate, then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see how Velijn has used the crisp lines of the engraving to create detailed scenes. Each one is a snapshot of Dutch society, connecting letters of the alphabet with images of commerce, industry and civic life. Notice how the "S" is paired with "Scheepvaart," depicting a bustling harbor, while "T" is linked to "Turf," showing peat being dug – a crucial fuel source. These weren’t just random choices; they reflected the economic activities that shaped the Dutch Golden Age. It's tempting to view this as a quaint educational tool, but it's also a window into the world of labor and trade. The very act of engraving, with its painstaking process, mirrors the industry it depicts. It challenges us to see the artfulness in everyday objects and the cultural value embedded in craft.