Hier heeft men 't leven en Bedryf / Van Jan de Wasser en zyn Wyf 1781 - 1828

This print, "Hier heeft men 't leven en Bedryf / Van Jan de Wasser en zyn Wyf", was made by Jan Hendriksen using printmaking techniques. The arrangement of images, like a comic strip, emphasizes the repetitive nature of daily life, especially for Jan de Wasser and his wife. The printmaking process itself—etching the design into a plate, inking, and pressing onto paper—mirrors this repetition. The visual texture, created by the etched lines, shows the labor involved in producing multiple copies. Each print is a product of skilled handwork, yet designed for wide distribution. It reflects the era's burgeoning print culture, a form of mass production that made images accessible to a broader public. Look closely, and you'll notice the rough quality of the lines and the simple coloring. These suggest a relatively inexpensive production, intended for everyday consumption rather than a high-art context. It blurs the line between art and commodity, inviting us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped its creation.