's Gravenhaagse Extraordinaire Courant van 2 November 1791 Possibly 1791

Editor: So this print, "'s Gravenhaagse Extraordinaire Courant van 2 November 1791," possibly from 1791 by P. Gosse en Zoon, looks like an old newspaper page. It’s overwhelmingly text-based, framed by quite decorative borders. What's a meaningful way to interpret this? Curator: Well, given the date, think about what 1791 signifies historically. The French Revolution is raging, and its ideas are rippling across Europe. This isn’t just typography; it's a carefully constructed message disseminated at a crucial moment. How do you think this news, framed in such an ornate style, would be received? Editor: I hadn’t really connected the Baroque style to the Revolution...I guess I figured newspapers would be all about getting the bare facts out? Curator: Exactly! Consider who this paper is likely aimed at – the elite, literate classes, right? The decorative elements aren't mere aesthetics; they’re a form of legitimization. What effect would these ornamental borders, crowns, and heraldic symbols have on readers' trust and perceptions of truth? It also says something about the economics and the intended consumer. Editor: It's like they're trying to use tradition and authority to control the narrative during a time of radical change...so is the framing part of the message? A reassurance or perhaps even propaganda? Curator: Precisely! These visual cues helped shape public opinion and reinforce existing power structures. It is important to note that, even in the age of revolution, pre-existing societal hierarchies could inform social and political thought. Considering this artwork in relation to feminist theory may even point to an underlying patriarchy present at the time. Editor: This gives me so much to think about when approaching prints of this time. Thank you! Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that every element, from the font to the flourishes, plays a role in shaping historical consciousness.