Titelbladen, 1795 1795

S.G. Casten made this title page in 1795. The image combines decorative illustration with handwritten text. It reflects the complex and rapidly changing political landscape of the Netherlands at the end of the 18th century. The handwritten texts refer to reflections and representations of the Old Citizenry and auxiliary corps. The elaborate, hand-painted border hints at the influence of French decorative styles, while the Dutch text points to a specific local context. The Netherlands was in turmoil during this period, caught between the old order and revolutionary ideas spreading from France. The reference to various nationalities—English, French émigrés, Spanish, and Austrian—highlights the international dimensions of the conflict. By studying pamphlets, newspapers, and other documents from the period, we can better understand the political debates and social tensions reflected in this artwork. The historian's task is to piece together the fragments of the past, revealing how art both shapes and is shaped by its historical moment.