Nieuwjaarswens van de Amsterdamse nachtwacht voor het jaar 1836 1835 - 1836

Dirk Wijbrand Tollenaar made this print, titled "New Year's Wish of the Amsterdam Night Watch for the Year 1836," to celebrate the new year. It was made with etching. This was a period of social and political upheaval in Europe. This print serves as a fascinating window into the social fabric of the time, reflecting the Amsterdam Night Watch's role, and its relationship to the city’s merchants, citizens and residents. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The Night Watch was a civic guard, responsible for maintaining order and security in the city. The text alludes to Dutch identity, the role of the monarchy, and the importance of civic duty, reflecting the complex social and political landscape of the Netherlands at the time. Understanding this artwork requires considering the institutional history of the Amsterdam Night Watch, as well as the social and economic conditions that shaped its role in the city. We can delve deeper into the history of the Night Watch, explore the political climate of the time, and examine the artist's own background and influences.