Paardenkoets in Amsterdam 1816 - 1833

Roelof van der Meulen created this print, "Paardenkoets in Amsterdam," using etching and possibly other techniques. During the early 19th century in the Netherlands, class distinctions were visually reinforced through modes of transportation. Here, we see not just a carriage, but a statement of social standing. The coachman, in his top hat, holds the reins, embodying a certain level of authority and control, while the carriage itself speaks to the wealth and status of its unseen passengers. It’s easy to imagine the experiences of those who could afford such transport versus those who walked the streets. Whose stories are told and whose are left untold? Van der Meulen offers us a glimpse into a world where movement itself was a privilege, inviting us to reflect on how these historical power dynamics continue to shape our present-day experiences.