Ontwerp voor de omslag van In de Kalverstraat, van Johannes ter Gouw, 1866 c. 1861 - 1866

Johan Coenraad Leich created this cover design in 1866 for Johannes ter Gouw’s book, In de Kalverstraat. The image depicts a scene of what looks like popular revolt in Amsterdam’s famous shopping street. But what kind of social tensions might be at play here? The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century saw grand civic displays of unity. However, by the mid-19th century, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid social and economic changes, with increasing class divisions and social unrest. Leich’s image taps into this, evoking a sense of communal uprising, with torch-bearing figures, drummers, and a banner with a jug on it, possibly representing local guilds or fraternities. This design invites us to think about the role of public spaces like the Kalverstraat, not just as places of commerce, but as potential sites for collective action and the expression of social discontent. By studying popular literature and archival records, we might uncover the specific historical events or social issues that inspired both the book and Leich’s compelling cover.