Stielen en Ambachten / Arts et Métiers 1800 - 1833

"Stielen en Ambachten / Arts et Métiers" was created by Philippus Jacobus Brepols in the early 19th century. The print presents a grid of scenes, each depicting various trades and crafts. The composition, organized into neat rectangles, reflects a structured view of society, categorizing labor in a systematic way. The limited color palette—primarily blues, reds, and browns—creates a sense of order and uniformity across the diverse activities shown. The use of line is particularly important, defining each figure and object with clarity. The form gives us insight into the industrializing world, cataloging various trades which are part of the era. The arrangement and style suggest that this image doesn't just depict work; it creates a framework through which society is understood. By focusing on its structural elements, we can interpret this print as a visual representation of the period's emphasis on order, classification, and the burgeoning industrial landscape.