Brabantse leeuw valt keizer Jozef II aan 1787 - 1790

This anonymous print depicts the Brabantse Leeuw, or Lion of Brabant, attacking Emperor Joseph II. Made with etching, it presents us with a window into the complex social and political landscape of the late 18th century. The image uses powerful visual symbols. Joseph II raises his arms to the heavens, maybe begging for mercy, or perhaps in recognition of the cross in the sky. The lion, representing the province of Brabant, overpowers him, acting as a symbol of resistance against the emperor's rule. The text, inscribed in French, suggests that the nobility, the wealthy, and the learned all contributed to this moment of revolution. This image serves as a commentary on the social structures of its time, specifically critiquing the authority of the Austrian emperor and championing regional autonomy. To truly understand this artwork, we can turn to historical archives, political pamphlets, and records of social movements. Understanding this requires an understanding of the institutional history, and a commitment to studying the conditions that shape artistic production.