Moord op Alida van Poelgeest, 1392 1843

This wash drawing by Johann Wilhelm Kaiser depicts the murder of Alida van Poelgeest in 1392. But what does this dramatic scene tell us about the Netherlands in the 19th century when it was made? Kaiser's dramatic illustration is rooted in a Romantic interpretation of Dutch history. The figures and their costumes are based on historical accounts and reflect the 19th-century interest in national identity. This was a period of nation-building, and historical events were often romanticized to create a sense of shared heritage. This highly gendered image idealizes Alida as a tragic heroine, thus reproducing conservative ideas about female vulnerability. Historical research into Dutch archives from the medieval era, along with studies of 19th-century Dutch nationalism, can help us understand the complex relationship between art, history, and national identity.