Witte van Haemstede plant de vlag op de Blinkert 1853 - 1861

Jan van der Veen created this lithograph, "Witte van Haemstede plant de vlag op de Blinkert," sometime in the mid-19th century. The scene is dominated by a central figure planting a flag, flanked by supporting soldiers, all rendered in precise lines. The composition draws our eye upwards, following the flag and the raised sword, creating a sense of dynamic movement. A textured effect is achieved through closely placed hatching lines to create light and shadow, defining the forms of the figures and their armor. The lithograph's linear quality not only depicts a historical event but also communicates power and national pride. The arrangement of the figures and the meticulous detailing evoke a structured narrative. The choice of a black and white lithograph removes colour from our analysis, highlighting the structure and the way the shapes interact. The artist's careful arrangement and formal choices underscore a moment of triumph, inviting viewers to engage with ideas of heroism.