Schepen waarmee de schutterij van Leiden naar Grave is gereisd, 1622 1622

Cornelis Liefrinck the Younger made this print in 1622 depicting boats used by the Leiden civic guard to travel to Grave. This image gives us insight into the social and political landscape of the Dutch Republic during the early 17th century. The print captures the journey of the civic guard, a voluntary militia, reflecting the importance of civic engagement and military readiness in a society that had recently won independence from Spain. The destination, Grave, was of strategic importance. This detail underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and military campaigns of the time. Liefrinck's choice of printmaking, a relatively accessible medium, suggests a desire to disseminate this image widely. Art historians rely on archival sources, such as city records and guild documents, to reconstruct the institutional framework that enabled its production. This print is a lens through which we can view the values, aspirations, and concerns of a society in transition.