Nederlandsche Staats-Courant. Donderdag 22 Maart. No. 69*. 1849 Possibly 1849

This is the Nederlandsche Staats-Courant, printed in 1849 by Algemeene Landsdrukkerij, a Dutch national printing office. The image is a proclamation announcing Willem the Second's ascension to the throne. This document reflects a pivotal moment in Dutch history, amid broader European political upheavals. Following the death of Willem the First, Willem the Second pledged to enact constitutional reforms. This proclamation emphasizes his commitment to working with the people's representatives and upholding the law. The visual codes are conservative and emphasize the authority of the monarchy, even as it promises reform. Understanding this image requires us to consider the complex relationship between the monarchy and its people, amid growing demands for democracy. Resources such as political pamphlets, personal letters, and institutional records of the Algemeene Landsdrukkerij will help us understand this better. These sources will help historians explore the social conditions that shaped its production.