Herdruk van de eerste Haarlemsche Courant van 8 januari 1656 Possibly 1856

This is a reproduction of the first Haarlemsche Courant, printed on January 8, 1656, by Johan Enschedé & Sons. At first glance, the dense blocks of text dominate the visual field, creating a structured, almost architectural composition. The layout, with its clear divisions and varied fonts, seeks to organize and present information systematically. Consider how the rigid structure of the text—the justified columns and precise typography—reflects the emerging scientific and rational worldview of the 17th century. Semiotically, the text functions as a grid through which news from across Europe is filtered and presented. The structured format mirrors the desire to impose order on the chaos of global events. Note how the use of standardized typography and layout contribute to the newspaper's function as a medium of public discourse. The newspaper is not merely a carrier of information but also a structured space, shaping the reader's perception of events. It invites us to consider how the formal qualities of a newspaper participate in larger cultural and philosophical debates about knowledge, order, and the dissemination of information.