Monument voor Abraham Valentijn en de verovering van Kattenburg, 1787 1787

This monument to Abraham Valentijn and the conquest of Kattenburg was created anonymously in 1787 using etching. It commemorates a very particular moment in Dutch history, steeped in political tension and civic pride. The print showcases an allegorical monument, flanked by armed guards, which memorializes Abraham Valentijn's role in the capture of Kattenburg. At its base, we see the common people, the lion of the Netherlands and a picture of the battle, but above all of this is Valentijn himself, celebrated as a hero of the time. But how do we reconcile the glorification of military action with the potential human cost? This piece invites us to consider the complexities of patriotism and the ways in which individuals are elevated within the narratives of national identity. It prompts us to consider whose stories are told, and whose are left out. In exploring this print, we’re encouraged to reflect on the emotional weight of historical events and the ways in which these moments continue to shape societal values and collective memory.