Vrouw naast bijenkorf 1721

This print, "Vrouw naast bijenkorf," was made in Leiden in 1731 by François van Bleyswijck, likely as an illustration for a book. The printmaking process—probably etching or engraving—leaves a distinct mark. Look closely, and you'll see the delicate web of incised lines that define the image. The paper itself is also important: handmade, and of relatively high quality, it speaks to the growing market for illustrated books at this time. The image shows a woman next to a beehive, surrounded by a decorative border of fruit and foliage. This is not just a pretty picture, but a symbolic representation of the industry and bounty that were central to Dutch culture. The detailed rendering of the beehive and the surrounding landscape shows an intimate knowledge of the natural world. Considering the materials and making of this print allows us to appreciate the way knowledge and skill were valued in the 18th century, and how this artwork connected to wider issues of labor, consumption, and the human relationship with nature.