Kermiswens door de krantenbezorgers te Amsterdam, ca. 1825-1830 1825 - 1830

Editor: This is “Kermiswens door de krantenbezorgers te Amsterdam,” dating back to the 1820s. It's an engraving by Hermanus Numan, housed at the Rijksmuseum. It’s visually dominated by dense text, punctuated by a cityscape up top. It feels very… wordy. What’s your take? Curator: "Wordy," a perfect sentiment, my friend. It's a charming peek into Amsterdam's past. You're right, it’s crammed with text, a 'Kermis Wish' delivered by news carriers. A Kermis wish - it is a romantic invitation to the fair delivered through print and verse! And how novel: it looks like something designed to be read aloud, in public, rather than simply admired, don't you think? It’s as though Amsterdam is singing the news! Editor: Absolutely! Almost like street theatre. But beyond the textual performance, does the imagery speak to anything in particular? Curator: Mmm. Take the skyline; it roots us. Amsterdam as the hub, alive with industry – masts hinting at trade and the wider world. A celebration and affirmation all wrapped in one kermis! A lovely detail lies hidden at the top too – if you zoom in at the coat of arms, with its crown, lion and motto *heldhaftig, vastberaden, barmhartig*: Courageous, Determined, and Merciful. Not your average throwaway flyer, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Definitely food for thought. I never expected such depth in something designed to be delivered along with the news. Curator: These objects – as seemingly humble as they are – are never 'just' what they seem. You see art in unsuspected places... That, dear Editor, is the biggest reward.