Zeeslag 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke created this print, "Zeeslag," during the 18th century, a period defined by colonial expansion and maritime conflict. The print depicts a naval battle, likely referencing one of the Anglo-Dutch Wars, reflecting the period's political tensions and the Netherlands' struggle to maintain its dominance on the seas. The central figure of a triumphant female, likely an allegorical representation of the Dutch Republic, evokes classical ideals. Note how she holds a liberty cap aloft, a potent symbol of freedom and resistance. Yet, this symbol is complicated by the historical reality of Dutch involvement in the slave trade. The naval battle depicted serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of imperial ambitions. It prompts reflection on the narratives of power and resistance that art can embody. Ultimately, "Zeeslag" is a powerful reminder that the stories we tell about our histories are never simple. Fokke's print encourages us to look critically at our national myths, engaging with both the pride and the pain embedded within.