Nederlandsche schutterij / te paard en te voet 1822 - 1870

Jacob Coldewijn created "Nederlandsche schutterij / te paard en te voet," sometime between the late 18th and mid 19th century. This print portrays members of the Dutch civic guard, both mounted and on foot. The civic guard, or "schutterij," was a volunteer militia tasked with maintaining order and defending cities. Often, membership was drawn from the middle class. The men would be respected citizens who had the resources to equip themselves. These guards played a vital role in local governance and civic identity. Coldewijn's print offers insight into the social structure of the Netherlands during a period of political change and nation-building. These men are literally embodying what it means to be a Dutch citizen at this time. The image evokes feelings of civic duty and national pride, emphasizing the role of ordinary citizens in defending their communities. It also speaks to the complex interplay between civic participation, social status, and national identity in Dutch society.