Overgave van De Winter na de verloren zeeslag bij Kamperduin, 1797 Possibly 1800 - 1820

Daniel Orme's print from 1797, now held at the Rijksmuseum, commemorates the Dutch Admiral De Winter's surrender to the British after the Battle of Camperdown. Prints like these served a vital public role in the late 18th century, creating and disseminating patriotic sentiment. In Britain, the popular press and visual culture reinforced a sense of national identity, often in opposition to revolutionary France and its allies, such as the Netherlands. Notice how the composition emphasizes order and hierarchy. Admiral Duncan stands tall, receiving De Winter's sword, while below them, ordinary sailors are shown tending to the wounded. The print doesn't just depict a historical event; it reinforces the social structures of its time. Understanding this artwork requires us to delve into the naval history of the period, study popular print culture, and investigate the social and political functions of art in 18th-century Britain. By doing so, we can better understand how images shape our understanding of the past.