Nieuwjaarsprent van de torenwachter van Leiden voor het jaar 1785 1784 - 1785

This anonymous 1784-1785 Dutch New Year's print is a fascinating example of early Dutch printmaking and cultural practice. The print, depicting the Leiden City Hall tower, features a long poem in Dutch, likely written by the tower watchman, wishing the citizens of Leiden a prosperous new year. This type of print was common in the Netherlands, serving as both a New Year's greeting and a form of community engagement. The image captures the architectural grandeur of the Leiden City Hall, highlighting its importance as a symbol of the city's authority. The inscription at the bottom reveals that the print was published by Anna Bouwman, a prominent printer in Leiden. This print serves as a valuable historical document that sheds light on the cultural and social practices of 18th-century Dutch society.