Gedenkplaat 1914-15: Hulde aan de regeering voor de handhaving onzer neutraliteit Possibly 1915 - 1918

This lithograph by Gerrit Hendrik Franck, likely made around 1915, is a fascinating mashup of history and politics. I can imagine the artist carefully plotting out all these figures and symbols, trying to capture a complex moment in time. I'm struck by the contrast between the classical figures – the woman in a toga, the Roman soldier on horseback – and the portraits of what I assume are Dutch officials. The artist is trying to make some kind of connection between ancient ideals and contemporary politics. It makes me wonder, what was it like to be an artist during wartime, trying to make sense of all the turmoil and uncertainty? The lion is so calm and noble, like a solid pillar of strength. It reminds me that art is always a conversation, artists responding to the moment, but also drawing on the past to create something new. It’s a hopeful image, I think, and a reminder of the power of art to help us make sense of a crazy world.