Daine op de vlucht, 1831 1831

This anonymous print, "Daine op de vlucht", was made in 1831, and employs etching and possibly other techniques. It depicts a scene related to the Belgian Revolution, and likely functioned as political propaganda. The image lampoons General Daine, commander of the Dutch forces in Brussels during the uprising. We see him fleeing on horseback, scattering papers labeled "mutiny". Note the broken stone, and the Belgian flag lying on the ground, these are visual indicators of the revolution. In the background, Dutch volunteer soldiers advance. It’s important to remember that images like this played a significant role in shaping public opinion during times of conflict. Cartoons and prints could quickly disseminate political messages, influencing popular sentiment and contributing to the construction of national identity. To understand this image fully, we need to consult historical records, political pamphlets, and period newspapers to reconstruct the context in which it was created and consumed. Only then can we appreciate its full impact as a piece of social and institutional history.