Militie vuurt op de oproerigen te Haarlem, 1750 1783 - 1795

Reinier Vinkeles made this etching of the militia firing on rioters in Haarlem around 1750. It depicts a moment of brutal social control in the Dutch Republic. The image evokes the tensions of the era: The Dutch Golden Age was fading, and economic hardship fueled social unrest. We see the Bakenesserkerk in the background, a recognizable landmark that roots the event in a specific place and time. But it also represents the established order against which the rioters rebelled. The militia, symbols of state power, are shown firing directly into the crowd. This stark depiction suggests the authorities’ willingness to use violence to maintain control. To fully understand this image, historical research is essential. Examining city records, pamphlets, and eyewitness accounts can reveal the specific grievances of the rioters and the government's response. This will show how art serves as a powerful window into the social and institutional dynamics of the past.