Heldendood van Jan Carel Josephus van Speijk 1831

Editor: This is a bronze relief print, "Heldendood van Jan Carel Josephus van Speijk", created by David van der Kellen in 1831. It depicts what appears to be a commemorative coin with text and imagery related to the Dutch naval officer. I find it somewhat…austere and imposing. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It’s definitely meant to be imposing. We have to understand this within the context of early 19th-century nationalism. Van Speijk’s death was highly politicized. How do you think the artist uses visual language to contribute to this sense of national pride? Editor: I guess I see an almost… idealized version of death and patriotism. Like it is propaganda? Curator: Exactly. The artist uses neoclassical imagery to glorify Van Speijk's suicide, framing it as a heroic sacrifice. The winged figure, for example. Think about its function. Is it Victory? Or Fame? Perhaps both? Editor: I see, it connects to earlier traditions of depicting power, making Van Speijk's actions seem timeless and universally heroic. It makes me question how the narrative around his death may have excluded different voices and perspectives from that time. Curator: Precisely. This medal, like much of the art from that era, needs to be examined through a lens of power and the social construction of heroism. The question then becomes: Whose story is being told and at whose expense? Editor: It’s interesting to think about art as not just reflecting history, but actively shaping it. I never really considered it that way. Curator: And what did you get to learn? Editor: Thinking more critically about narrative construction. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure!