The Hague, Malieveld – Iven Besoet, 1760

MILITARY REVIEW OF THE HAGUE CIVIC GUARD ON THE MALIEVELD

“Gezicht van de Malibaan en Waapen Schouwing der Haagse Schuttery” [view of the Malieveld and military review of the Hague civic guard], copper engraving by Iven Besoet, published in 1760 by Hendrik Florisz. Scheurleer. Coloured by a later hand. Size (print): approx. 28.5 × 40.5 cm.

Just as the Malieveld is used today for public events, it served a similar function in the past. Several times a year, the Hague civic guard (“schutterij” in Dutch) held ceremonial military reviews here.

Unlike many other Dutch cities, The Hague lacked city walls or official fortifications and did not formally possess city rights. Nevertheless, like other urban centres in the Dutch Republic, it had a civic guard officially responsible for maintaining public order and defending the city in times of unrest. In practice, however, the guard had largely ceremonial and social functions during this period.

By the 18th century, the Hague civic guard had become increasingly less relevant as a military force. Drills were still held regularly, but the guard’s public appearances were primarily intended as displays of civic pride and loyalty to the authorities. During festivities or visits by dignitaries, the guard acted as an honour guard, complete with banners, music, and ceremonial dress.

The annual military review – such as the one depicted here – was one of the most important public occasions for the civic guard to present itself as an organised and disciplined body.

The Hague publisher and bookseller Hendrik Florisz. Scheurleer (1692–1768) capitalised on the popularity of city views in the mid-18th century. He issued a series of eighteen highly detailed prints of The Hague and its surroundings, each dedicated to a local mayor, bailiff, or secretary. The engravings were executed by Iven Besoet (c. 1720–1769), an artist from Leiden. The success of the series is evident from the numerous copies – often perspective or “vue d’optique” prints – produced after them. Whether Besoet profited from this work is doubtful: according to biographical accounts, he was evicted from his home for unpaid debts and ultimately died in the street, wrapped in a blanket.

This view of the Malieveld is dedicated to Johan Pieter Dierquens, colonel of the Hague Schutterij (and later also mayor of The Hague).

Price: Euro 650,-