Nieuwjaarswens van de lantaarnopstekers van Amsterdam voor het jaar 1842 1841 - 1842

Jacob Coldewijn made this print in 1842 in Amsterdam. It’s a New Year’s greeting from the lamplighters to the city’s merchants, citizens, and residents. More than a simple well-wishing, it provides a window into the social fabric of the time. The image depicts lamplighters, responsible for lighting the city's street lamps, in what appears to be a bustling Amsterdam street. The poem below is a plea for blessings on the city, its trade, and its people. In the 19th century, these workers occupied a unique position in society, providing a crucial public service. The print suggests a social hierarchy with lamplighters addressing the upper classes. The lamplighters' greeting reflects the values of a society on the cusp of industrialization, where community well-being and divine favor were still seen as intertwined. To understand this, we can look at the economic structures and social relations of 19th-century Amsterdam, as well as the institutional history of public services. By studying such sources, we can better understand the social context that shaped this artwork.