Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse nachtwacht voor het jaar 1871 1871

This broadside, titled "Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse nachtwacht voor het jaar 1871," was printed by the widow J. Bakels in 1871. It is a commentary on the social and political climate of the Netherlands in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War. The print reflects a desire for unity and reconciliation. It evokes a sense of collective identity, addressing the reader as "Stadgenooten! Nederlanders!"– Fellow citizens! Dutch people!– calling for brotherhood and joy. The text suggests that the time has come to heal old wounds, as "after three times thirteen years, the spark of discord is extinguished." While the print encourages national pride and unity, it also highlights the emotional toll of war. It acknowledges the grief of women and mothers, deeply shaken by the loss of loved ones. Yet, despite the somber undertones, the print ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the possibility of finding solace in shared identity and collective memory. It captures a society grappling with the consequences of conflict, seeking solace in unity.