Nieuwjaarswens van de tamboers van de schutterij van Gouda voor het jaar 1788 1757 - 1790

This broadside, created in 1788 by J. van Oye, presents the New Year's wish of the drummers of the Civic Guard of Gouda. At its heart stands a tree bearing the coat of arms of Gouda crowned by the Dutch Lion, symbols of civic pride and identity deeply rooted in the collective consciousness of the city's inhabitants. Note how the drummers flank the tree, echoing the ancient motif of guardians at the Tree of Life. This symbol, ubiquitous from the Mesopotamian Gilgamesh epic to the Garden of Eden, transcends time, resurfacing here in Gouda. The tree, laden with fruit, is an archetypal symbol of prosperity and continuity that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, speaking to our innate desires for security and abundance. Even the alert dog contributes to the sense of protection and loyalty. The integration of these age-old symbols into a contemporary broadside reveals a cyclical pattern of cultural memory. They are a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and reminding us how the past is always alive in the present.