Putti met diverse industriële attributen 1876

This etching, "Putti met diverse industriële attributen," was created by Theodoor Hannon. The composition is dominated by a playfully rendered industrial-age scene, bordered by vignettes of putti engaged with symbols of industry. The drawing utilizes the textural possibilities of etching to create a detailed tableau. Hannon constructs a visual paradox, juxtaposing cherubic figures with elements like smoking factory chimneys and complex machinery. This contrast isn’t just whimsical; it destabilizes the conventional associations we have with both the innocent putti and the often-grim realities of industrialization. It’s a semiotic dance where cherubs, traditionally symbols of innocence and purity, are re-contextualized within the discourse of industry and progress. Hannon's etching thus uses a formal strategy of contrast to encourage a re-evaluation of cultural values during a time of rapid industrial change. It invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between technological advancement and broader societal ideals.