Barensnood van de Nationale Conventie, 1795 1799

This anonymous 1799 etching, "Barensnood van de Nationale Conventie, 1795," is a satirical depiction of the National Convention of the Batavian Republic giving birth to a constitution. The image uses visual metaphors to criticize the political climate of the time, and may have been intended to be circulated among those who were critical of the new government. The etching's small size suggests it was meant for private viewing, allowing for a more intimate and critical engagement with the political satire.