Prins van Oranje leidt de Nederlandse troepen bij Quatre-Bras, 1815 1815 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, "Prins van Oranje leidt de Nederlandse troepen bij Quatre-Bras, 1815," at a time of significant political upheaval in Europe. Vinkeles, who died the year after its creation, captured a moment from the Battle of Quatre Bras, a precursor to the famous Battle of Waterloo. This work isn't just a depiction of war, it is a statement about Dutch identity and leadership in the face of conflict. The focus on the Prince of Orange leading troops serves to galvanize national pride. It's worth considering how the soldiers, who are represented, may have felt as they were involved in these events. By immortalizing this moment through printmaking, Vinkeles ensured the wide distribution of this narrative. He invited viewers to reflect on the cost of freedom and the role of leadership in shaping national destiny. This image serves both as historical record and as a piece of nation-building propaganda.