Portret van Floris V, graaf van Holland en Zeeland 1808

This is Reinier Vinkeles's engraving 'Portret van Floris V, graaf van Holland en Zeeland', made around 1808. The print depicts Floris V, Count of Holland and Zeeland. Set against the backdrop of the Batavian Republic, this print reflects the cultural and political tensions of the time. The Batavian Republic, heavily influenced by the French Revolution, saw a rise in nationalistic sentiments. Depictions of historical figures like Floris V served to invoke a sense of shared identity and pride amongst the Dutch. Vinkeles's portrayal of Floris V, in traditional garb, taps into a longing for a glorious past. The emotional resonance of the artwork lies in its appeal to collective memory, inviting viewers to reflect on their heritage. Prints such as these played a role in shaping the narrative of Dutch identity during a period of political and social change. They also reveal the complex interplay between art, history, and the construction of national identity.