Soldaat bij een haringverkoopster 1800 - 1841

This print, made by Joannes Bemme, depicts a soldier buying herring from a vendor. Made in the Netherlands during a period of colonial expansion, we can consider how this image relates to the history and politics of Dutch society. The soldier represents the military forces that maintained control over colonies and trade routes, while the herring vendor represents the working class who profited from these ventures. The image speaks to the complex relationship between the military, trade, and labor that shaped Dutch society at the time. The print may be read as a reflection on the social hierarchy and economic structures of the time, raising questions about power and privilege. Analyzing prints like this one involves consulting historical documents, economic data, and other cultural artifacts. Through such research, we come to understand the social conditions that shape artistic production.