De Vernietiging van de Oude Constitutie, decoratie op de Botermarkt, 1795 1795

This watercolor drawing shows the decoration on the Botermarkt, or Butter Market, in 1795. It depicts the destruction of the old constitution in the Netherlands, marking a pivotal moment of political upheaval. We see a monument, adorned with classical motifs, built to celebrate the end of the old order. The central panel shows revolutionaries destroying symbols of the old constitution, while allegorical figures embody new virtues. This imagery reflects the revolutionary fervor sweeping across Europe, particularly after the French Revolution. It tells a story of radical change through visual codes. This work gives us insight into how the Dutch public processed the transition to a new political system. Investigating period pamphlets, newspapers, and civic records helps us to understand how the revolution played out on the ground. The drawing's visual language offers valuable material for understanding this key moment in Dutch history and the public role of art.