Vernietiging der Aristocratie, decoratie op de Westermarkt, 1795 (uitleg) 1795

This broadside, made in Amsterdam by Dirk Meland Langeveld in 1795, depicts the ‘Destruction of the Aristocracy’. The dominant image here is Hercules, wielding his club against the Hydra, a serpent-like monster with many heads. The Hydra, in this context, symbolizes aristocracy, its multiple heads representing the complex, multifaceted nature of aristocratic power. Hercules embodies the Dutch people, fighting against this oppressive force. The slaying of the Hydra is a motif that echoes through the ages. In classical mythology, it represents the triumph over seemingly insurmountable challenges, a symbol of renewal and regeneration. Yet, this symbol takes on new layers in the context of political upheaval, reflecting the ongoing struggle against tyranny. It embodies the collective memory of resistance against oppression, resurfacing in various forms throughout history. Like the mythical Hydra, aristocracy may seem impossible to defeat, but the spirit of Hercules, representing the will of the people, offers hope.