Gedicht over de Algemeene Mechanische Broodbakkerij c. 1829

This undated print by J.W. van Ditmar, now in the Rijksmuseum, presents a poem about a mechanized bakery. Dominating the visual field are lines of text, interspersed with decorative motifs, which together function as symbols of modernity and progress. The very act of printing and distributing such a poem speaks to a cultural shift, echoing the dissemination of knowledge seen in earlier religious reformations through printed pamphlets. The symmetry and order in the layout are reminiscent of classical ideals, yet they serve a very modern purpose. The poem's structure mirrors the cyclical nature of labor and production; a process of continuous reinvention. One can draw parallels to ancient agricultural cycles, where harvest and sowing followed each other, symbolizing the eternal return. It is almost as if society has an inherent drive towards technological advancement, a collective yearning for progress that manifests through innovation. This symbol of a bakery represents a collective psychological need for nourishment and security. The image resonates due to our deep-seated associations with food and sustenance. Ultimately, this printed poem, praising a mechanized bakery, highlights a society grappling with progress, mirroring how symbols from the past resurface, evolve, and are imbued with new meanings in our ever-changing world.