Zie in deez' prent de vrolijkheid, van Saartje Jansz de keukenmeid 1818 - 1828

W. van Bergen created this print, sometime in the 18th century, as a form of popular entertainment, depicting scenes from the life of a kitchen maid named Saartje Jansz. This seemingly simple artwork offers a window into the social hierarchies of the Dutch Republic. We see Saartje engaged in various domestic tasks. But the title, "See in this print the cheerfulness of Saartje Jansz, the kitchen maid," prompts us to consider the image's intent. Is it to celebrate the dignity of labor or to reinforce existing social roles through a somewhat ironic lens? The print was produced in Breda. Records from the city archives and guild registers might reveal the identities and social standing of both the artist and the depicted maid. Did prints like these challenge or uphold the social order? Further research may reveal if such popular imagery served to reinforce or perhaps subtly undermine the status quo.