Bewijs van lidmaatschap van burgersociëteit Concordia 1787

This is Pieter Hendrik Jonxis's "Proof of Membership of Civic Society Concordia", made around 1787 in the Netherlands. It's an etching, and it represents something quite specific to its time: civic societies. These societies were a key part of Dutch social life. Notice the name "Concordia," meaning harmony. The symbols above – flags, weapons, and clasped hands – emphasize unity and civic duty. This wasn't just about socializing; it was about creating a sense of shared identity and responsibility within the city of Utrecht. It's worth remembering that the Netherlands in the late 18th century was a republic, but one with a complex class structure. These societies offered a space for middle-class citizens to exert influence and shape public opinion. To understand this image fully, we need to delve into the archives of the Concordia society itself. Who were its members? What were their goals? By understanding the institution, we can better understand the role of art in shaping social bonds and civic identity.