Zesde groep in Delftse optocht van 1862 1862

Willem Bernardus IJzerdraat made this watercolor of the sixth group in the Delft procession in 1862. The traditional medium of watercolor on paper can often be seen as separate from labor, and politics, but this artwork invites us to think about the modes of production of the scene itself. The artist captures a staged procession, likely commissioned by the upper classes. The drawing depicts an elaborate float, pulled by horses and accompanied by servants. The sheer labor required to produce such an event is noteworthy. It gives you a glimpse into the social hierarchy of the time. Think about the many skilled hands required to create the costumes, build the float, train the horses, and organize the procession. By focusing on the processes and social context of this artwork, we can appreciate the many layers of meaning embedded within it. It encourages us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and society.