Aankomst van de Bataven in Nederland, ca. 55-10 v.C. 1749 - 1759

Jacob Folkema created this engraving, "Arrival of the Batavi in the Netherlands," around the 18th century. It depicts the Germanic tribe migrating to the Netherlands around 55-10 BC. Notice the Batavi carrying their belongings, evoking the ancient motif of people on the move. This migration echoes the wanderings found in biblical stories and classical epics, tales deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Observe how the act of carrying—burdens, objects, or even children—has been depicted across cultures and epochs. In antiquity, the gesture of carrying was a symbol of both labor and devotion. We see echoes of this in Renaissance depictions of Saint Christopher, bearing the Christ child across treacherous waters. The weight of these objects and people symbolizes resilience and transformation. Folkema invites us to recognize these enduring images, connecting the Batavi's journey to broader themes of human experience.