Nieuwjaarswens van de Amsterdamse lantaarnopstekers, 1816 1815 - 1816

This print, made in Amsterdam in 1816 by Jacobus Wendel, is a New Year's greeting from the city's lamplighters. But beyond its surface, it offers a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. The image is rich in visual codes. Lamplighters are depicted providing light, a symbol of progress and safety, to the city's residents. The text below, a poem, reinforces this message, speaking of dispelling darkness and bringing joy. Amsterdam, a city built on trade and civic engagement, valued these public services. The lamplighters, as municipal employees, played a crucial role in maintaining social order. Prints like this reflect the importance of institutions in shaping everyday life. By examining archival records and understanding the economics of Amsterdam at this time, we can understand the complex social dynamics embedded in what seems like a simple New Year's greeting.