Man met opgeheven armen before 1841

Charles Rochussen created this print called, "Man met opgeheven armen," using etching. This imagery transports us to the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense economic and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands, but also a time of stark social hierarchies. Rochussen invites us to consider the intersections of power and representation. The central figure, arms raised, stands as a symbol of leadership, framed by scenes of trade, conquest and wealth, all of which were defining aspects of Dutch society. Yet, who is included and excluded from this narrative? The almost dreamlike quality of the etching softens the edges of a history built on colonial exploitation. While there are images of merchant ships, of pioneers on horseback and of lions, the image tells us nothing of the enslaved, whose labor fueled much of this prosperity. Rochussen's etching is an invitation to reflect on national identity, on who we choose to honor, and whose stories remain untold. It is a poignant reflection on the complexities of history and memory.