Nederlandsche schutterij 1831 - 1854

Curator: Ah, yes, "Nederlandsche Schutterij," a lithograph drawing, made sometime between 1831 and 1854, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. You know, I always feel a kind of whimsical air about it, even though it's clearly about the Dutch civic guard. The rows of figures almost look like a paper doll set, all lined up in their finery. Editor: I agree! There’s something very orderly and yet also kind of playful about the composition. What strikes me, though, is the almost scientific way they're presented, each rank meticulously detailed. How do you interpret this kind of formal approach to such a potentially dynamic subject? Curator: That’s a brilliant observation! To me, it feels almost like a catalogue or a study of uniforms more than a traditional portrait of the militia. Imagine it as a fashion plate, darling, for soldiers! See how each rank – from the Tamboer to the Kapitein - is rendered with such careful attention to the details of their attire? It gives you a glimpse into the rigid structures of Dutch society at the time. The artist Erve H. Rynders, whose print this is, was probably commissioned for a reason. Do you think it might be a little tongue-in-cheek? Editor: Maybe a little! It's like a snapshot of the social hierarchy, but dressed up in bright colors and presented with almost humorous precision. Do you think the artist’s intent was simply documentary, or was there an element of social commentary, or even, dare I say, marketing? Curator: Absolutely! Think of the original audience. Remember, “Wil Kinderen hier deez' Prent nu koopen” "Kids, come and buy this print!" this was clearly for the common folk to get the ranks right... possibly for amusement, possibly for admiration, who knows? What an enigma. Editor: So, more than just a historical document, it’s a fascinating peek into Dutch societal structures and marketing techniques, filtered through a kind of charmingly detached artistic lens. I like that! Curator: Precisely! And sometimes, isn't it the unassuming little prints that tell us the biggest stories? I leave the rest to your imagination.