Allegorie op Groot-Brittannië 1755

This engraving by Jan Caspar Philips, made in Amsterdam in 1755, offers an allegorical representation of Great Britain. Created during a period of shifting political power, marked by the union of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the print embodies the complexities of national identity and governance. Three crowned female figures sit harmoniously, representing England, Scotland and Ireland, holding their respective heraldic symbols, while putti play at their feet. They are framed by classical architecture, hinting at the Enlightenment ideals of reason and order. The detailed landscapes in the background evoke the distinct territories under British rule. But, while this idyllic scene projects an image of unified strength, it subtly acknowledges the tensions inherent in colonial power and the suppression of local identities. Consider how this image served to both celebrate and subtly obscure the realities of British expansionism. What stories are told, and what voices are left unheard?