De vernietiging van de oude constitutie 1795

"De vernietiging van de oude constitutie" (The Destruction of the Old Constitution) is a satirical cartoon by Jan Bulthuis, created in 1795. The artwork depicts a woman spinning a wheel labeled "BELANG," a word signifying "interest." Her spinning wheel is destroying a symbol of the old aristocracy, an elaborate windmill topped with the word "ARISTOCRATIE." The artwork is a critique of the Dutch political system and the rise of the new republic in the late 18th century, with the wheel of interest seen as the driving force of change. The piece is an example of Dutch political satire, utilizing symbolism and caricature to comment on societal issues. This artwork can be viewed at the Rijksmuseum.