Objecten van gietijzer c. 1866 - 1900

This is J. Herman’s ‘Objecten van gietijzer’, or Objects of Cast Iron. Though undated, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural values of its time. The detailed rendering showcases a range of cast-iron objects, from ornate gates to elegant fountains. The items depicted reflect a society that valued beauty and status, and the material speaks to the rise of industrial production. The items, clearly intended for the upper classes, suggest the identity of the patrons who sought to enhance their estates with such decorative elements. Take a moment to consider the labor involved in producing such intricate designs. Who were the workers behind these creations, and what were their stories? ‘Objecten van gietijzer’ can remind us that while these items were intended to beautify, they are also testaments to the social and economic structures of their time.