Nieuwjaarswens van de lantaarnopstekers van Zaandam voor het jaar 1852 1851 - 1852

This is a New Year’s greeting from the lamplighters of Zaandam for the year 1852, printed on paper. It is an early example of commercial printmaking. The image shows the lamplighters at work, using ladders to reach the gas lamps that illuminated the streets. The print includes text expressing good wishes for the new year. It is likely produced through a combination of wood engraving and letterpress printing, techniques that allowed for the mass production of texts and images. The crisp lines of the illustration suggest careful work by skilled hands. This kind of printed ephemera was common in the 19th century. It reflects the growth of a wage-earning class, and the informal economy of gift-giving and seasonal work. Lamplighters, like many tradespeople, depended on the generosity of the community, and this print served as both a greeting and a subtle reminder of their service. By considering its mode of production, we understand how this print connects to the broader social and economic changes of its time. It is more than just a pretty picture. It's a small window onto the lives of working people.