Vaarwel aan de Amsterdamsche Schutterij, ter gelegenheid van haar vertrek, ter verdediging van wet en regt 1830

Curator: Looking at this print, what immediately springs to mind? Editor: A quiet call to duty, wouldn't you say? The typography, that subtle texture of paper...it whispers more than shouts about defending law and order. A melancholy departure, perhaps? Curator: Precisely! This is a print dating back to 1830, titled "Farewell to the Amsterdam Civic Guard, on the Occasion of their Departure, to Defend Law and Right". It also announces the inclusion of "Schutters-Lied", or Civic Guard Song, by J.C. van Hasselt. Editor: So, it’s both an announcement and a kind of…keepsake? For those departing. That explains the, well, the relative restraint. I imagined a full-blown Romantic scene! Curator: The romanticism here is nuanced. Note the decorative typography—it suggests the importance of the occasion, but through ordered, deliberate strokes, rather than through grand, sweeping gestures typical of some romantic works. The symmetry provides the balance so key to romantic aesthetics. Editor: It makes me think of those old recruiting posters, but less…demanding. More of a gentle reminder of civic responsibility, framed by a lovely song. I imagine this placed inside one's helmet—or am I romanticising things now? Curator: Not at all! Consider that these prints were likely made available for purchase from M. Westerman and Son, contributing proceeds to families of departing guardsmen. A fusion of civic duty and community support. Editor: Which adds another layer, doesn't it? It's not just about defending the law, it's about looking after each other. The 'Uittrekkende Amsterdamsche Schutters' translates to something like the departing Amsterdam Civic Guard, right? The image almost pleads—be safe and, those left behind, we’ll support you. Curator: The combination of text and simple ornamentation serves to amplify the emotional and social context. A fascinating example of Romantic sentiment filtered through the lens of civic duty. Editor: It feels almost…modern, in a way. A piece of practical art designed to pull at the heartstrings while serving a purpose. Makes you wonder who sang the song... Curator: Indeed. This piece encapsulates that moment where national fervor meets deeply personal anxieties about safety and family. A perfect instance of the confluence between form and social function. Editor: Thank you. Thinking about art as historical marketing definitely provides something new.