Aanstaande Eenheid en Onverdeelbaarheid, van het Bataafs Gemenebest en de Alliantie, decoratie op het Stadhuis op de Dam, 1795 1795

Curator: Let’s take a look at “Aanstaande Eenheid en Onverdeelbaarheid, van het Bataafs Gemenebest en de Alliantie, decoratie op het Stadhuis op de Dam, 1795," created in 1795 by Noach van der Meer (II). It’s a drawing made with ink on paper and housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. What's your initial reaction? Editor: Well, it feels meticulously planned, doesn't it? So… organized, so neat and tidy. Like someone ironed the soul out of revolutionary fervor and arranged it just so, symmetrical. And strangely lifeless. Curator: Lifeless perhaps because it depicts a symbolic façade erected during a specific historical moment? The cityscape emphasizes Neoclassical elements, reflecting the artistic and political ideals of the time. Look closely at the interplay between the architectural structure and allegorical figures. Editor: Oh, I see! Like a stage set for the Revolution, all painted scenery and hopeful symbolism but ultimately... constructed. Do you get the feeling there are no real doors or windows in this building? Just paintings of windows and a lot of white columns with no substance? Curator: Precisely! The rigid structure symbolizes order, but the garland perhaps alludes to a fragility of such imposed societal harmony? The artist strategically uses ink to render light and shadow, highlighting certain areas while leaving others more subdued, and notice the garland draping, it could be the unity of the nation being represented. Editor: Yes. The garland looks as though it is a formality. More than that it looks a lot like stagecraft for an agreement not particularly loved by all of the ‘players’ Curator: Interesting point! The title suggests a hopeful vision for the future – “Forthcoming Unity and Indivisibility,” the work speaks to the aspirations of the Batavian Republic. Van der Meer seems to express a calculated optimism. Editor: Right, but also there's a sense that it could all come crashing down any minute – those neatly painted windows suddenly splintering, the statue crumbling to dust. That makes it more human, strangely, or at least more interesting for me, seeing what they wanted and what was likely true. Curator: I think you have articulated beautifully the tension inherent in this work, reflecting the precariousness of revolutionary ideals. Editor: An idea and its image – I can see that… it gives the piece a melancholic quality.