Allegorie op de burgerbewapening, 1784 1784

Leendert Brasser created this etching, *Allegorie op de burgerbewapening*, in 1784. It serves as a visual testament to the Patriot movement in the Netherlands during the late 18th century, a time marked by political upheaval and a growing sense of national identity. Here, Brasser explores themes of freedom and civic duty. The central image of armed citizens evokes a sense of collective empowerment, while the symbolic pyramid represents the foundations of Dutch society. But who has access to this freedom? The figures in the foreground suggest a society built on exclusion and oppression. The artist prompts us to consider the complexities of patriotism and revolution. Does this representation serve as a call to arms, or a reflection on the contradictions inherent in the pursuit of freedom?