De schuttersmaaltijd in de Voetboogdoelen of St. Jorisdoelen te Amsterdam ter viering van het sluiten van de vrede van Munster, 18 juni 1648 1847 - 1932

William Unger made this print depicting the celebratory meal of the Amsterdam Civic Guard, commemorating the Peace of Münster in 1648. It depicts a moment of civic pride in the newly independent Dutch Republic. These guards, or "schutters," were essentially civilian militias, embodying a sense of local autonomy. But, of course, these companies were also closely linked to the political and social elite. The image creates meaning through its setting: the "doelen," or shooting range, was not just a military space but also a social hub. Here, Unger hints at the complex interplay between military might, civic identity, and social hierarchy in 17th-century Amsterdam. Researching the history of the Civic Guard, their social composition, and their role in public life can yield a deeper understanding of Dutch society at this pivotal moment. Ultimately, this print is a reminder that art is always embedded in a specific historical context, shaped by institutions, social structures, and political events.