Nurks in de Haarlemmerhout 1849 - 1905

Ferdinand Carl Sierich made this print, Nurks in de Haarlemmerhout, using a technique called lithography. Lithography is a fascinating process; it relies on the antipathy between grease and water, using a flat stone or metal plate. The artist draws with a greasy crayon, then treats the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawing. It was an ideal medium for newspapers and mass media of the time. Here, Sierich captures a social scene with a few quick strokes. The clothing and hats are drawn to distinguish the upper-middle class, who have the luxury of leisure time in the park. This print, therefore, does more than simply depict a scene; it also speaks volumes about the society in which it was created, class distinctions, and the rise of consumer culture. Paying attention to materials, processes, and social context helps us understand the artwork's full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and prompting us to consider labor, politics, and consumption.