Optocht te Krommenie op 8 maart 1788 1788

Johannes Jelgerhuis made this print depicting a procession in Krommenie on March 8, 1788. The symbols carried, such as flags and banners, and the procession itself, speak to a deep human need for communal expression. The act of marching together, as seen here, echoes through centuries. Think of Roman legions, religious pilgrimages, or even modern-day political demonstrations. Each iteration carries its own specific meaning, yet the underlying impulse remains: to visually manifest a shared belief or identity. The windmills in the background, iconic symbols of the Dutch landscape and ingenuity, stand as silent witnesses to this very human drama. The image, on a deeper level, taps into our collective memory, where symbols become vessels for emotions, fears, and hopes. As the symbols evolve, they reflect the changing currents of history, culture, and the human psyche. This procession, like so many others, is more than just a historical event; it's a recurring motif in the grand tapestry of human experience.