Vrouw draaiend met voorwerpen voor publiek op kermis

About this artwork

Legaat van de heer F.G. Waller, Amsterdam

Art Historical Context

**Vrouw draaiend voorwerpen voor publiek opermis** (1782) is a charming etching by Carel Frederik Bendorp (), a Dutch artist capturing the vibrancy of 18th street life. Measuring just 133mm by 96mm, this intimate print depicts a woman skillfully spinning or juggling objects to entertain a crowd at a *kermis*—a traditional Dutch fair known for its lively mix of games, food stalls, and performers. Bendorp's precise lines evoke the bustle and joy of these communal gatherings, offering a window into everyday leisure during the Dutch Enlightenment era. Etching, Bendorp's chosen medium, allowed for detailed, reproducible images that could be widely shared among the middle class. The technique involves coating a metal plate with acid-resistant ground, scratching designs into it, and letting acid etch the lines—resulting in the fine, expressive textures seen here. Such prints democratized art, preserving fleeting moments of popular culture that paintings often overlooked. This work entered the collection as a bequest from F.G. Waller of Amsterdam, highlighting its enduring value in Dutch graphic arts. Visitors will appreciate how it celebrates the performers who brought delight to ordinary folk, blending artistry with social history.