Beziet dit volkje eens ter deeg / Zy staan elkaar niet in de weeg 1814 - 1830

This hand-colored print, "Beziet dit volkje eens ter deeg," was produced by Barend Koene in Amsterdam, though its precise date is unknown. Its playful images of various social types offer a window into Dutch society, inviting us to consider the roles and relationships that defined everyday life. The print is a veritable catalog of human activities and social roles; each small vignette depicts a different type of person – a king, a secretary, a worker, and so on. These are arranged in a grid, each labeled with a short descriptive caption. The clothing and settings offer insights into the material culture of the Netherlands, while the activities and interactions reflect the social dynamics of the time. What does it mean to see such a range of social types brought together in this way? Perhaps the artist is making a subtle comment on the social hierarchy, or perhaps it is a celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of Dutch society. To answer these questions, we can look to archival sources to understand better the social and cultural context.