Jacobus II werpt de voorstellen voor een vrij parlement in het vuur en vlucht, 1688 1689

This small, anonymous etching depicts a dramatic moment in British history, made in the Netherlands in 1688. It shows King James II destroying proposals for a free parliament and fleeing. The image is rich with visual codes. The act of burning the proposals symbolizes the King's rejection of democratic principles. The open doorway and the ship visible in the background signify his escape from England, effectively abdicating the throne. This event, known as the Glorious Revolution, was profoundly influenced by religious and political tensions, specifically James II's Catholicism and autocratic tendencies, which clashed with the Protestant majority and parliamentary traditions. The Dutch Republic, with its own history of resistance against monarchical rule, served as a haven for those opposing James. Historians consult a range of sources, including pamphlets, letters, and official documents, to fully understand the complex social and political landscape that shaped this pivotal moment. Art like this reflects the intense public debate and the shifting power dynamics of the era.