Albert Memorial smeekt koningin Victoria om de annexatie van Transvaal ongedaan te maken, 1877 1877 - 1880

This 1877 drawing, whose artist is unknown, presents the Albert Memorial, a monument to Queen Victoria's late husband, Prince Albert. The artist's use of line and form creates a rigid structure that is simultaneously imposing and fragile, suggesting themes of power, memory, and the weight of history. The composition is dominated by the symmetrical arrangement of the memorial, constructed with meticulous detail. This precision contrasts sharply with the political plea inscribed beneath the image: a request to undo the annexation of Transvaal. The memorial, in its imposing architectural form, symbolizes the authority and permanence of the British Empire, while the inscription introduces a conflicting narrative of colonial contestation and moral appeal. Here, the visual language of memorial architecture intersects with poststructuralist theory, challenging fixed meanings and historical narratives. The drawing serves as a poignant reminder that even the most solid symbols of power are subject to interpretation, debate, and resistance.