Oostenrijkse adelaar en Jozef II gevangen door Brabantse leeuwen, 1789 1787 - 1790

This print, made in 1789 by an anonymous artist, depicts an Austrian eagle and Joseph II trapped by Brabant lions. The image is rich with social and political commentary relating to the Brabant Revolution in the Austrian Netherlands. The Austrian eagle, symbolizing imperial power, and Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor, are shown entangled in a net, captured by the Brabant lions, which represent the rebellious population. This reflects the widespread discontent with Joseph II's reforms, which were seen as attacks on local traditions and institutions. By using animal symbolism, the artist taps into a long history of political allegory. Lions often stand for courage and defiance, while the eagle represents imperial authority. The choice of the net suggests entrapment and the undermining of imperial power. Analyzing prints like these involves delving into the political climate of the late 18th century, examining pamphlets, newspapers, and other visual materials to understand the public mood and the strategies of political resistance. This piece reminds us that art is always enmeshed in social conflict.