De Vernietiging van de Oude Constitutie, decoratie op de Botermarkt, 1795 1795

This print captures the ephemeral decoration erected on Amsterdam’s Botermarkt in 1795 by an anonymous artist. It commemorates the alliance with France. At this time, the Dutch Republic was undergoing immense political upheaval, influenced by the ideals of the French Revolution. The print depicts an allegorical structure, with figures representing virtues and historical symbols, seemingly celebrating the end of the old order. However, the destruction of the old constitution raises questions about power, national identity, and allegiance. Who gets to decide what is destroyed and what is rebuilt? What are the social implications of such a symbolic act? The French Revolution was viewed differently by many, and this print asks us to consider the complexities of revolution, especially its impact on ordinary lives. It is a poignant reminder of how political change intertwines with personal experiences, shaping collective memory.