Marketentster 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this print of a ‘Marketentster’ with etching and watercolor. This piece belongs to a broader tradition of printmaking, where etching allowed for relatively quick reproduction and distribution. The application of watercolor adds a layer of uniqueness, yet also a repetitive task that could be divided among workshop assistants. We can consider the social and economic context in which such images were made. This image depicts a woman who would have sold provisions to soldiers, which would have been essential for the sustenance and morale of troops. Her occupation is a marginal form of labor, shadowing the military, as it relies on the infrastructure of supply lines and trade networks. The print captures a moment in time, but also hints at the continuous cycles of labor, commerce, and consumption that sustain both military and civilian life. By examining its materials, we can appreciate the significance of the print as a document of labor, commerce, and military life.