Nachtgezicht met mannen die een doodskist vervoeren 1785

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, “Nachtgezicht met mannen die een doodskist vervoeren,” or “Night View with Men Carrying a Coffin,” at the Rijksmuseum. The scene depicts working-class men transporting a coffin at night under a crescent moon. The setting suggests a time of societal upheaval with economic disparities, as the French Revolution and the Enlightenment challenged existing class structures. We see the emotional weight of death, reflected in the somber mood and arduous task undertaken by these laborers. The image resonates with the tradition of memento mori, reminding viewers of mortality, yet it does so through the lens of labor and class. Vinkeles highlights the humanity of these often-unseen workers, imbuing their work with dignity. The print prompts reflection on the value of life, especially among those whose daily struggles often go unnoticed.