Uitnodiging voor de toneelvoorstelling ter ere van de vijfentwintigjarige verbintenis van de actrice C.H. Roobol-Jelgerhuis aan de Amsterdamse Schouwburg, 1837 Possibly 1837

This playbill, printed in Amsterdam on the 20th of November 1837, advertises a theatrical performance celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of actress C.H. Roobol-Jelgerhuis at the Amsterdam Theatre. The prominent display of the actress’s name reminds me of the enduring human desire to leave a mark on the world. Think of the countless rulers, artists, and thinkers throughout history who have sought immortality through their achievements. This urge transcends time; we see it in ancient Egyptian tombs and in the Renaissance cult of the artistic genius. Consider, too, how the theatre itself—a stage for portraying human dramas—becomes a mirror reflecting our deepest desires and anxieties. The playbill is not just an advertisement; it embodies our collective yearning for recognition and our fascination with the human condition. The performance evokes a primal sense of spectacle, engaging viewers on an emotional level. The enduring human quest for recognition continues to inspire us, and we see it reflected in the art and performances of every age.