Aanval bij Halfweg, 1787 1787 - 1790

Joseph-Alexandre Le Campion created this print, "Aanval bij Halfweg, 1787," during a politically turbulent time in the Netherlands. The image depicts an attack near Halfweg, between Amsterdam and Haarlem, referencing the Prussian intervention against the Patriot movement. The print encapsulates the power dynamics and conflicts within Dutch society at the end of the 18th century. We see Prussian forces clashing with Dutch Patriots. The Patriots, advocating for democratic reforms and challenging the power of the Stadtholder, found themselves suppressed by external military intervention. Le Campion’s work captures a moment of violent confrontation that speaks to broader issues of national identity, political autonomy, and resistance against foreign influence. This image serves as a visual record of a pivotal moment in Dutch history, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of a society on the cusp of significant political change. The emotions of fear, resistance, and the desire for self-determination resonate deeply.