Medaillon op de Alliantie tussen de Franse en de Bataafse Republieken, 1795 1795

This is a 1795 medallion by Poisson, etched to commemorate the alliance between the French and Batavian Republics. The design is structured around a central inscription, flanked by two circular vignettes. On the left, we see allegorical figures representing the two republics uniting amidst symbols of liberty and progress. On the right, a celebratory scene unfolds, likely depicting the signing of the alliance. The monochrome etching emphasizes line and detail, creating a sense of classical formality. Poisson employs the visual language of revolutionary ideology, with symbols like the Phrygian cap and the scales of justice. The balanced composition, divided into distinct yet connected spaces, suggests a structured and harmonious relationship between the two republics. The linear precision and symmetry contribute to a sense of order and reason, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals that underpinned the revolutionary movements of the time. This medallion serves not just as a historical record, but as a carefully constructed statement about political ideology and national identity.