Onderdelen van koets before 1800

This anonymous print shows components of a carriage. Though undated, the print’s style suggests that it was made in the Netherlands sometime in the 18th century. In its original context, this image wasn't an artwork, but a technical drawing. Nonetheless, its careful composition reveals the cultural values of its time. Carriages like this one were reserved for the wealthiest members of society, and they broadcasted the owner’s importance to the public. Note the elaborate Baroque ornament, which is designed to impress onlookers and affirm existing hierarchies. The inclusion of putti and heraldry are especially suggestive. We can imagine the social conditions that made such a thing possible, from the wealth inequality to the absence of effective political opposition. To fully understand this image, we might consult archives of Dutch printmaking. What were the standard practices of the time? Who bought images like this? Understanding its place in a complex network of makers, institutions, and consumers can help us better grasp the image’s significance.