Yzerenweg / Chemin de fer 1856 - 1900

Glenisson & Zonen produced this print, titled "Yzerenweg / Chemin de fer," depicting various modes of transport. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and technological transformations of its time. Presumably made in the early to mid-19th century, judging by the depicted technology and the use of both Dutch and French, the print contrasts older horse-drawn carriages with the emerging technology of the steam train. We see open wagons, omnibuses, and private carriages, reflecting the hierarchical social structure. The prominent display of the train signals a shift towards industrialization and mass transportation. The print serves as a document of technological advancement and social change, capturing a pivotal moment where traditional forms of transport were beginning to be challenged by the rise of the railway. To understand its place in the culture of the Low Countries, one would need to investigate the history of transportation, commerce, and industry, consulting sources like trade publications, municipal records, and engineering drawings. The print’s existence points to a society grappling with progress, class, and the changing landscape.