Open reiswagen en koets in een quasi-Hollandse straat 1790 - 1827

Here in the Rijksmuseum, we see Thomas Rowlandson’s pen and wash drawing of carriages in a quasi-Dutch street. The most prominent symbol is the carriage itself, an emblem of wealth and status during the 18th century. The elaborate design, the finely dressed occupants, and the well-groomed horses, all speak to a culture obsessed with displaying social rank. Carriages have been around for centuries, evolving from simple carts to ornate vehicles, each iteration reflecting the aspirations and values of its time. Reflect on how ancient Roman chariots, symbols of military might and victory, have been translated into luxurious conveyances, shifting from declarations of power to statements of elegance. These carriages are psychological projections, physical manifestations of inner desires for social recognition. Each detail, each curve, is a carefully constructed performance, designed to evoke envy and admiration. It is a cyclical symbol of wealth and power that will continue to resurface in different forms.