Rytuig voor yzerwegen / Voitures pour chemin de fer 1874 - 1887

This print, made by J.K. Zeehuisen & Co., depicts various horse-drawn carriages, including an “omnibus” used for railway transport. The rise of railways in the 19th century profoundly impacted social and economic structures in Europe and beyond. Printed images like this one played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of these new technologies. This print presents the railway carriage not just as a mode of transport, but as a symbol of modernity and progress. The visual codes are fascinating here: we see a mixture of Dutch and French text, reflecting the multilingual character of European society. It reminds us that technologies were often marketed across linguistic and national boundaries. How does this artwork reflect the social conditions of its time? One might consider railway company records or travel journals to understand the changing social landscape. What was the public role of advertising like this in the advent of modern train travel? The meaning of art is contingent on such social and institutional contexts.