Straatroepen Possibly 1700 - 1865

This print, ‘Straatroepen’, shows street vendors, and was made by van der Haeghen using woodcut. Woodcut is an old technique. The artist carves an image into a block of wood, then inks and prints it, creating multiples. Here, each of the forty-two vignettes represents a different trade, from selling fruit to sharpening knives. Note how the directness of the woodcut style conveys the everyday grit and labor of these occupations. The thick lines evoke the physical effort involved, and the repetition of figures speaks to the relentlessness of market life. The print also reveals a social hierarchy, showing the range of goods and services available in a bustling urban economy, and suggesting a complex system of class relations. Seen in this light, the print isn't just a record of trades, but a commentary on the economic realities of its time. It challenges us to think about the labor involved in even the simplest transactions, and to value the contributions of those who work in the street. In its own way, this print reminds us that even everyday images can be a form of social commentary, reflecting the realities of production and consumption.