Schilderijen op de triomfboog op de Plaats, 1691 1691

Romeyn de Hooghe created this print in 1691, depicting paintings on the triumphal arch in The Hague, as a visual record of state power and the political climate of the Dutch Republic. Embedded within this image are classical allegories and symbols, reflective of the cultural values and aspirations of the time. The triumphal arch itself acts as a stage for projecting the power and legitimacy of the ruling elite. Representations of mythological narratives become metaphors for contemporary political events, weaving a complex tapestry of meaning. De Hooghe uses symbolism to communicate specific messages about leadership, governance, and national identity. Look closely, how do these images work to construct and reinforce the dominant ideology? What emotional responses might they have evoked in viewers at the time? How does the artist navigate the intersection of art, power, and propaganda? This print encapsulates the fraught relationship between artistic expression, political agenda, and the construction of collective memory, inviting us to critically examine the narratives that shape our understanding of the past.