Het vertrek van stadhouder Willem V naar Engeland, 18 januari 1795 1798

Dirk Langendijk created this wash drawing titled 'The departure of Stadholder Willem V to England, January 18, 1795.' This piece captures a pivotal moment in Dutch history, laden with political and social upheaval. Stadholder Willem V's flight to England marked the end of the Dutch Republic and the rise of the Batavian Republic, heavily influenced by revolutionary France. Langendijk's portrayal goes beyond a mere historical record. It touches upon the human drama inherent in such moments of transition. You can feel the palpable tension and anxiety of a society on the brink of transformation. The artist seems to ask, what does it mean for a nation to lose its leader, and what are the costs of revolution? The departure is not just a political event, but a deeply personal one, impacting the lives and identities of all involved.