Tekstblad bij de prent van de optocht te Jisp bij de installatie van Willem V in 1766 1766

This broadside, made in 1766 by an anonymous printmaker, commemorates the installation of Willem V as Prince of the Dutch Republic. It’s printed on paper, a relatively inexpensive and easily reproducible material that allowed for the wide dissemination of information. The text is densely packed, arranged in columns, and while visually not as appealing as other art forms, this method served a crucial social function. Printmaking allowed for the rapid communication of news and propaganda, shaping public opinion and reinforcing the power of the ruling elite. Look closely and you can appreciate the labour involved in setting the type, inking the press, and pulling each individual print. This broadside reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can offer insights into the social, political, and economic forces that shaped their creation.