Vertrek van de vrijwillige Amsterdamse schutterij, 1830 Possibly 1830

This monochrome print, made in 1830 by an anonymous artist, captures the departure of Amsterdam's volunteer militia. The composition is dominated by the horizontal expanse of the water and sky, punctuated by the vertical accents of windmills and distant city architecture. Observe how the artist has arranged the scene into distinct layers. In the foreground, boats filled with figures create a dynamic, almost rhythmic progression across the water. This foreground activity contrasts with the static gathering of people on the left bank, framed by architectural structures and trees. The use of light and shadow adds depth, accentuating the texture of the water and the volume of the clouds, while drawing our eyes from the boats to the background. One might consider how this interplay between movement and stasis, foreground and background, serves to represent the civic departure not just as a physical event, but also as a symbolic moment charged with historical meaning.