De Nederlandse Apollo, 1814 Possibly 1814 - 1829

This hand-coloured etching, made by Charles Williams in 1814, satirizes Anglo-Dutch relations after the Napoleonic Wars. The print encapsulates the cultural tensions of the time through caricature. Here, a Dutchman, ridiculed for his large breeches and clumsy posture, desperately woos a refined English lady. The Dutch suitor's exaggerated costume and affected language clash sharply with the lady's elegant simplicity, highlighting perceived differences in taste and sophistication between the two nations. The print slyly mocks Dutch attempts to regain colonial possessions and international prestige after French occupation. Political cartoons like this played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and cultural identity in the 19th century. By examining such images, alongside diplomatic records and newspaper articles, historians can gain insights into the complex interplay of power, prejudice, and national pride.