Ontwerp voor een decoratie ter gelegenheid van de Alliantie met Frankrijk, 19 juni 1795 1795

Jan Bulthuis created this sketch, “Design for a Decoration on the Occasion of the Alliance with France, June 19, 1795,” using graphite on paper. The sketch presents a symmetrical structure reminiscent of classical architecture, possibly a triumphal arch, with an arched central opening flanked by what appear to be columns and decorative elements. The composition's skeletal quality, achieved through Bulthuis's light and tentative pencil lines, directs attention to its underlying geometry. The structure’s symmetry, coupled with the repetition of architectural motifs, invites contemplation on the era's political ideals, such as liberty and equality. The drawing’s openness and lack of definitive form might symbolize the fluidity of political alliances, while the classical elements suggest an aspiration towards enduring values and the establishment of a new order rooted in historical precedents. The design's incompleteness leaves space for the viewer to reflect on the ever-evolving nature of political landscapes and their representation in art.