Personificatie van Antwerpen met gebogen hoofd, daarachter een man met een hand op haar schouder en een engel 1842

Edouard Hamman created this etching, titled "Personification of Antwerp with a bowed head, behind it a man with a hand on her shoulder and an angel", sometime in the 19th century. Hamman uses allegory to comment on the social and political realities of Antwerp. The central figure, representing the city, is depicted in distress, her head bowed in sorrow. A male figure, possibly a historical leader, offers a comforting hand, while an angel stands by, perhaps symbolizing divine intervention or hope. Made in Belgium during a time of significant political and cultural change, this work reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a city grappling with its identity. To understand Hamman's perspective, one could delve into the history of Antwerp, examining its economic struggles, and the social reforms that shaped the era. Through historical research, we can better understand the social commentary embedded in Hamman's allegorical representation.