Utrechtse maskerade van 1851: Gouden Eeuw 1650-1675 1851

This print, Utrechtse Maskerade van 1851, by F.W. Boom, now in the Rijksmuseum, captures a moment of historical re-enactment. But what does it tell us about the Netherlands in the mid-19th century? Here, a parade of figures in historical costume evokes the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. This was a period of immense economic and cultural growth for the Netherlands. By the 19th century, the Netherlands was struggling to re-establish itself as a major power. The print reveals a desire to connect with a more glorious past. The detailed key identifies the historical figures being portrayed, emphasizing the importance of lineage and national identity. The event was staged by the Utrechtse Schutterij, a civic guard, highlighting the role of local institutions in shaping national memory. To fully understand this image, we need to research the social and political climate of the Netherlands in the 1850s, exploring the rise of nationalism and the search for cultural heroes.