Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse nachtwacht voor het jaar 1835 1835

Dirk Wijbrand Tollenaar made this etching around 1835; it’s titled “Kermisprent van de Amsterdamse nachtwacht voor het jaar 1835." As the title suggests, this is an image made in celebration of the annual kermis, or fair. But it’s not just a picture – it’s also a printed sheet of paper, with text printed below the image. The lettering indicates that this was commissioned by the Amsterdam night watch, a kind of civic security force. The image is executed as a print, meaning that it could be reproduced many times over. Consider the relationship between this technique and the social function of the print. It was meant to spread good cheer, advertise the night watch, and generally build civic solidarity. The fact that the printmaking process allowed for mass production is central to its purpose. It’s a great example of how printmaking could serve as a vital tool of social cohesion.