Handelsetiket met drie hoorns in een lauwerkrans met een kroon c. 1681 - 1740

This is a trade card, made by Isaac Vincentsz. van der Vinne in the Netherlands, using woodcut on paper. The trade card is a kind of early advertisement, and it speaks volumes about the rise of consumer culture. Woodcut was a common way of printing images at this time, allowing for relatively quick and cheap production. The stark lines and the contrast between black and white were intrinsic to this process. The image shows three horns within a laurel wreath, topped by a crown and a banner. The horns probably relate to the specific trade, but the laurel wreath and crown are clearly meant to signal quality. This wasn't just an image; it was a crucial tool for vendors to establish their brand. These objects have a humble status as works of art, but are fascinating because they testify to the visual language of commerce. It reminds us to look closely at the relationship between art, labor, and the marketplace.