Uitnodiging voor het feest in het stadhuis bij het bezoek van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen te Amsterdam, 1768 1768

This invitation to a party at Amsterdam’s city hall in 1768, made anonymously, commemorates the visit of Willem V and Wilhelmina of Prussia. It’s a tiny rectangle, less than 3 inches wide, but it opens up a world of social and political meaning. This invitation speaks to the rigid social hierarchies of the Dutch Republic, where access to power and privilege was carefully controlled. Notice how the text emphasizes the "illustrious and royal highnesses," underscoring the importance of status and lineage. The invitation also outlines a strict protocol for entry, ensuring that only the "right" people gain access. For the woman receiving this invitation, it was likely both an honor and a burden, participation in such events came with expectations and obligations. This artifact reminds us that even seemingly trivial objects can reveal profound truths about the societies that produce them.