Titelpagina voor: De Politieke Kruyer, dl. 3, ca. 1783-1785 1783 - 1785

Around 1783 to 1785, Theodoor Koning created this etching for the title page of "De Politieke Kruyer, dl. 3." Koning was working in a Dutch Republic on the precipice of revolution, a time when the tensions between the ruling elite and the burgeoning Patriot movement were reaching a fever pitch. In this scene, we witness a symbolic clash of power. Lady Liberty offers a scroll to a Roman soldier, who is representative of the Dutch people. At the base of the pedestal lies a defeated knight. The pedestal is adorned with an old-fashioned hat. This print encapsulates the spirit of the era: a yearning for freedom and a rejection of aristocratic rule. It holds a mirror to the aspirations of a people seeking to redefine their national identity and claim their rightful place in the political landscape. The print evokes a sense of hope, but also hints at the underlying struggles for self-determination.