Dimensions: height 334 mm, width 235 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This printed program, produced by P.E. van Staden in 1837, details the funeral procession of Queen Frederica Louisa Wilhelmina. The program's material—paper—was relatively inexpensive, allowing for wide distribution. The text is tightly packed, indicative of the economic constraints on printed matter at the time, maximizing the use of each sheet. The lettering is achieved through careful application of ink, a labor-intensive process. The materiality of the program serves a practical function: it informs the public of the funeral's order. But it also underscores social hierarchy. The detailed instructions dictate the precise positions of various officials, emphasizing their ranks. Even the horses pulling the carriages have assigned roles. This level of detail reflects the rigid social structures of the time, with class and status meticulously arranged. Ultimately, this seemingly simple piece of print reveals the intersection of material constraints, social stratification, and the politics of mourning in 19th-century Netherlands.
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