Ruiters 1832 - 1902

Karel Frederik Bombled made this print, called 'Ruiters' in Dutch, using etching techniques sometime in the 19th century. Bombled was Dutch, and it's clear he's looking back at the Dutch Golden Age for inspiration, particularly the 17th century when the new Republic was at the height of its power and wealth. Prints such as these were popular as they were much cheaper to produce than paintings, making them accessible to a broader audience. This also meant they could be used to promote particular political ideas. The riders in this etching, with their fine clothes and confident air, seem to evoke the strength and independence of the Netherlands at this time. In my work as a historian, I often use archives and period publications to understand how art was consumed and understood by the public in its own time. This helps us to appreciate how much the meaning of art is rooted in its specific social and institutional context.