Spotprent op de Hollanders (nr. 1), 1795 / 1814 1814

This anonymous print caricaturing the Dutch was made between 1795 and 1814 using etching. It was a politically turbulent time, with the French Revolution influencing neighboring countries, including the Netherlands. The print depicts three figures, each embodying a different reaction to the call for revolution, highlighting themes of national identity and social responsibility. A soldier, rifle in hand, is shouting "Aux Armes!" while a woman in domestic attire is saying "Courage, mon ami!". Finally a stout, apathetic man is lying on the ground with the call to action "Levez-vous en masse." The artist critiques the Dutch response to revolutionary fervor, playing with gender and class stereotypes. While the male soldier embodies patriotic zeal, he is overwhelmed and frenetic. The woman embodies a more domestic and supportive role while the man at the end embodies apathy. These characterizations reflect the complex interplay between revolutionary ideals, national identity, and social expectations. It invites us to consider how individuals and nations grapple with change.