Straatverkopers 1822 - 1849

This print, Straatverkopers, was made by Mindermann & Co. in Amsterdam, using etching and engraving. These printing techniques allowed for the relatively easy production of multiple copies. Look closely, and you'll see that it depicts a series of street vendors, each hawking their wares: cheese, rope, fish and other goods. The linear quality of the engraving gives the images a crisp, graphic feel. The print likely served a commercial function, perhaps as a trade card or advertisement. What's interesting here is the focus on the laboring classes. Each vendor is distinguished by the tools of their trade. The print not only documents different occupations, but also acknowledges the vital role these workers played in the economy. Prints like these challenge our traditional ideas about art. They show how artistic skills were also applied to commerce and the everyday world. By considering the materials, the making, and the social context, we gain a richer understanding of visual culture and the place of art within it.