Dorpsgezicht met straat in Tzummarum 1786 - 1792

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this print of a village street in Tzummarum using etching, likely in the late 18th century. It is a depiction of everyday life in the Dutch countryside. But this image is also a document of a very specific social order. Note how the church dominates the horizon, reminding us of the central role of religion. The presence of figures from different social strata, engaged in their daily activities, tells us much about the division of labor and social roles in the 1700s. To better understand this, we can consult local archives, church records, and period maps. By studying these resources, we can reconstruct the social fabric of Tzummarum. This image provides a window into a world that is both familiar and distant. The historian can unpack the many social and institutional elements that were in play at the time.