Triomfpoort ter ere van 200 jaar vrijheid in Vlissingen, 1772 1772

This print, made in 1772 by an anonymous Dutch artist, commemorates 200 years of freedom in Vlissingen. But what exactly was being celebrated here? And how did the image itself contribute to that celebration? The print depicts a temporary triumphal arch erected for the jubilee. We see a horse-drawn carriage passing through it, flanked by soldiers. The arch is decorated with allegorical figures and maritime scenes, referencing Vlissingen's history as a major port. The Dutch Republic in the 18th century was a complex society, with tensions between different political factions. Commemorative events like this one served to reinforce a sense of national identity and civic pride, and to legitimize the ruling elite. Prints like this one were important tools for disseminating these messages widely. To understand this image fully, we need to delve into the archives: to examine the records of the city of Vlissingen, the publications of the time, and the visual culture of the Dutch Republic. Only then can we grasp the full meaning of this "temple of remembrance."