De Nederlandsche Maagd wordt bericht over de zeeslag bij Doggersbank 1782

Jacobus Buys created this drawing in 1782, titled "The Dutch Virgin Informed of the Naval Battle at Dogger Bank." It depicts a symbolic representation of the Netherlands receiving news of a naval battle victory, set against a backdrop that blends classical and contemporary elements. At its heart, the artwork wrestles with identity and power. The Dutch Virgin, a personification of the nation, sits enthroned, embodying authority and virtue. The figure kneeling before her presents news of the battle. Buys invokes both historical and political dimensions: the naval battle itself was a moment of national pride amidst broader geopolitical tensions. But it also raises questions about who is included in the narrative of victory and who remains in the shadows. Notice the varied reactions of the onlookers, some of whom are dressed in Ottoman clothing. What does their presence suggest about the Netherlands’ relationship with the rest of the world? How does this image engage with ideas of Dutch identity and its place on the global stage?