Meiboom geplant door de Haagse Schutterij, 1785 1785

This is an engraving titled "Meiboom geplant door de Haagse Schutterij," made in 1785 by an anonymous artist. Created during a time of social and political upheaval, the artwork reflects the identities and values of the Haagse Schutterij, or the civic guard of The Hague. The Schutterijen were historically formed to defend cities, but by the late 18th century, their role had evolved into one of civic display and social order. This print encapsulates the Schutterij’s ideals through a series of allegorical images, revealing much about the gender, race, and class dynamics of the period. Note the juxtaposition of traditional symbols of power, such as the lion and armaments, with images of love and fertility, like the heart and cherubic figures. It creates a dialogue about the multiple layers of identity within the civic guard. How do these symbols represent the values and aspirations of the Schutterij? It serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal identity is with collective history.