Lidmaatschapsbewijs van wijkvergadering, 1795 1795

This membership certificate, made by an anonymous artist in 1795, speaks volumes about the social and political upheaval of its time through the craft of printmaking. Created using an engraving technique, the fine lines and precise details were achieved by meticulously carving into a metal plate, likely copper, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. This process, demanding both skill and time, allowed for the mass production of such documents, spreading revolutionary ideals of 'Freedom, Equality, and Brotherhood.' The symbolic imagery adorning the certificate – classical columns, cherubic figures, and scales of justice – reflect a conscious effort to align the new republic with historical ideals of governance and civic virtue. The labor-intensive nature of engraving contrasts with the certificate's function as a symbol of democratic participation, highlighting the tension between elite craftsmanship and popular politics. Understanding the materiality and making of this object allows us to better appreciate the complex social forces at play during this transformative period.