Romeinen brandschatten het land maar beloven vrede, 69-70 1768 - 1770

This engraving, Romeinen brandschatten het land maar beloven vrede, 69-70, was made by an anonymous artist. The print depicts a scene of Roman soldiers pillaging the Batavian lands, even while promising peace. It's a complex image, really, when we consider how history is written by the victors. Here, we see a moment of subjugation, the Batavians stripped bare, their homes in flames. But the Roman general, Cerialis, extends a hand, offering a deceptive promise of peace. The text below the image echoes this duplicity, noting how Cerialis 'worked tirelessly to subdue the Batavians'. Consider the power dynamics at play, the way those in authority manipulate narratives to maintain control. This print invites us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and to question the power structures that shape our understanding of history. The emotional weight of the Batavians' loss is palpable, their vulnerability laid bare for all to see.