Algemene Wapening, decoratie op het Kadijksplein, 1795 1795

A. Verkerk made this print, Algemene Wapening, in 1795, depicting a decoration in Kadijksplein. It offers us a window into the visual strategies used during moments of political upheaval. The print shows a temporary structure erected to celebrate a new political reality. The architecture evokes ideas of fortification, but here, the ‘general arming’ suggests a coming together of the people. The symbols and flags indicate a revolutionary sentiment, and the figures in the foreground appear to be ordinary citizens. The Dutch Republic was in turmoil as the Batavian Revolution unfolded. The image is a fascinating record of a specific moment in time, reflecting the hopes and anxieties of a society undergoing radical change. By examining pamphlets, newspapers, and other visual materials from the period, we can better understand the artist's intentions. The meaning of the artwork is contingent on its historical context.