Hier ziet men door practyk: haar keel en beursen vullen, / En andere om in luijigheid: te drinken en te smullen 1806 - 1830

This print was made by Johan Noman, a Dutch book printer and publisher, and is from the early 19th century. The artwork is an etching, a medium that lends itself to satire and social commentary. Composed of four scenes, it critiques various aspects of Dutch society. We see scenes of people feasting, engaging in commerce, and celebrating. This was a period of significant economic and social change in the Netherlands. It was shortly after the Napoleonic era and the beginning of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Such prints would have circulated widely, offering visual commentary on contemporary life. We see the artist making use of cultural codes and visual cues to convey his message. The clothing, the settings, and the activities all speak to the values and behaviors of different social groups. Understanding these historical and cultural contexts is essential to interpreting the artwork. Resources like period documents, social histories, and studies of Dutch print culture would enrich our understanding. Ultimately, this etching reminds us that art is always embedded in a specific time and place, shaped by social and institutional forces.