Bouwprent 1875 - 1903

This “Bouwprent,” or building print, was made by Jan de Haan. It’s a lithograph printed on paper, meant to be cut out and assembled. The flat, printed surface belies a world of potential three-dimensionality. These pre-cut paper models were a popular form of entertainment, democratizing architecture, allowing anyone to become a maker. These models embody a very different approach to making, compared to traditional architectural models. They allow the owner to become the architect by doing the final assembly. The print shows the mechanization of labor, allowing for the mass production of complex designs. These building prints reflected a shift in cultural values, as people sought to emulate the architecture of the wealthy. This challenged traditional boundaries between design, craft, and industry, inviting a reflection on social class and consumption. It reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but about the process of making and its connection to society.