Uitreiking der gedenkpenningen aan vrijwillige jagers van de Utrechtse Hogeschool, 22 September 1831 1831

Theodoor Soeterik made this print, "Awarding Medals to Volunteer Riflemen of the Utrecht Academy," in the Netherlands, likely shortly after the depicted event in September 1831. It captures a moment of civic pride and the important public role of universities in the 19th century. The image presents a formal ceremony. Note the presence of the Dutch flag and the orderly ranks of armed riflemen contrasted with the more informally gathered crowd of onlookers. The event commemorates the students' service as volunteer riflemen, reflecting the university's integration with national defense. The Dutch context is crucial here. The early 1830s were a time of political tension with the ongoing Belgian Revolution. Such prints served to disseminate patriotic sentiment. We can use university archives and period newspapers to better understand the specific social and political context surrounding this event and its representation. This print testifies to how institutions shape the cultural values of their time.