Uitschrijving van een algemene Dank-, Vast- en Bededag op 13 januari 1814 1814

This is a public announcement from 1814, printed in the Netherlands, from Willem of Oranje-Nassau, Sovereign Prince, announcing a national day of fasting and prayer to be held on January 13th. The content of the announcement provides a fascinating glimpse into the social and political context of the time. Following the retreat of French troops, the announcement reflects a desire to restore religious observances, as well as to cultivate a sense of national unity and gratitude. It expresses a need to appeal to God while also celebrating the improved relationship with Great Britain. The document reveals how social and political authority was articulated through the printing press. The very act of printing and distributing this announcement would have contributed to the construction of a collective national identity. Understanding this announcement requires familiarity with the political history of the Netherlands, and religious practices of the time. Researching these areas would shed further light on its meaning and significance. The artwork reminds us that art is always embedded in particular social and institutional contexts.