Twee schutters 1832 - 1890

Sybrand Altmann made this print called *Twee Schutters* in the Netherlands during the 19th century. It depicts two guardsmen seemingly enjoying a moment of leisure. But what story does this image tell beyond its immediate subject? It hints at the social structures and civic life of the Netherlands, where citizen militias, known as *schutterijen*, played a crucial role in maintaining order and defending cities. The print's existence speaks to the institutional context of Dutch art, too. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, emerged from a desire to preserve and showcase Dutch cultural heritage. To fully understand the image, we delve into archives to learn about the history of the *schutterijen* and the evolving role of civic organizations in Dutch society. By researching the artist and the institutions connected to this print, we can gain deeper insight into its meaning and significance.