Kaperschip De Dappere Patriot vliegt in de lucht, 1781 1781

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this print entitled ‘Kaperschip De Dappere Patriot vliegt in de lucht’ in 1781. It depicts the destruction of a Dutch merchant ship by the British navy during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War. This seemingly simple image speaks volumes about the political and economic tensions of the late 18th century. Holland, a maritime power, found itself in conflict with Great Britain, the dominant force at sea. Prints like these, circulated widely, helped shape public opinion and fostered a sense of national identity in the face of external threat. The image creates meaning through the dramatic depiction of the explosion. Patriotism and the rise of national consciousness were powerful currents in this era. To fully understand an image like this, the art historian must delve into the archives, reading contemporary accounts and understanding the complex web of international relations that shaped its creation and reception.