November 'slagters beste tyd, / Mits goed gemest en vet geweid 1781 - 1828

Jan Hendriksen created this print titled 'November, Butcher's Best Time' in Rotterdam. It illustrates the cycle of animal slaughter for food. Each of the twelve panels visualizes the various steps of the process, from livestock being led into town, to butchering, to the consumption of meat in tavern and home. This work offers a look into the cultural and economic practices of the time, as it depicts the labor involved in food production. The Dutch Republic was a major player in global trade, and the availability of resources impacted daily life. Hendriksen’s print shows the intersections of humans, animals, and labor, inviting reflection on our relationship to the food chain. The detailed scenes and matter-of-fact depiction can evoke a range of feelings, from appreciation for sustenance to discomfort with the realities of the meat industry. How do you feel when you look at the piece?