De moedige Batavieren, 1673 1673 - 1674

This etching, “De moedige Batavieren,” was created in 1673 by an anonymous artist. The work is abundant with symbols of leadership and resistance, specifically the act of interpreting scrolls to rally the Batavian people. Observe the act of reading closely; it is a recurring motif throughout history. It echoes in depictions of ancient philosophers poring over texts, medieval monks illuminating manuscripts, and even modern-day revolutionaries studying manifestos. The letters on the scrolls held by the figures – C, D, E, F – might seem like simple identifiers, but they evoke the power of language to incite action, and even resistance. Consider the fire, a symbol of purification and transformation, but also destruction. Here, it suggests the readiness of the Batavians to fight for their cause, much like the eternal flames of ancient temples or the bonfires of revolutionary movements. These aren't isolated symbols, of course. They resonate through time, evolving and adapting, yet retaining their elemental power. The collective memory embedded in these motifs continues to engage viewers on a subconscious level, creating a powerful link between past struggles and present aspirations.