Vervolg van de samenspraak van Louw en Krelis, ter gelegenheid van het huwelijk van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen, 1767 1767

This broadside, made in 1767 by an anonymous maker, is a printed sheet commemorating the wedding of Willem V and Wilhelmina of Prussia. You can tell this from the text, which speaks to political alliances. The printmaking process is crucial to understanding its social role. Engraving allowed for the relatively quick production of texts and images, making information accessible to a wider audience than handmade manuscripts ever could. The texture of the paper, its evident age, and the density of the lettering all speak to the traditions of the printing trade. Yet this wasn't just about mass communication. The decorative border and ornate typography suggest a desire to elevate the occasion, intertwining the industrial process with artisanal care. The amount of work required to design, engrave, and print such a piece reflects the importance of the event it commemorates. Ultimately, this broadside straddles the line between propaganda and art, showcasing how modes of production influence our understanding of political and cultural events. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can carry complex social meanings, challenging any firm distinction between "high" and "low" art.