Opstand van het Kaas- en Broodvolk te Haarlem, 1492 1747 - 1759

Simon Fokke created this engraving, "Riot of the Cheese and Bread People in Haarlem, 1492", in the 18th century. Fokke, living in the Dutch Republic, was part of a society grappling with its own identity and relationship to its past, as seen in the rise of historical consciousness and national narratives. The image depicts a revolt that occurred in 1492. Note that while the subject of the engraving is located in the 15th century, the work itself was made in the 18th century. It's easy to see it as a nostalgic look back at a time of civic unrest in the Dutch Republic. Who were these cheese and bread people? The title suggests a class-based struggle, with food symbolizing the basic needs of the common folk. Yet, Fokke created this image in the 1700's - How might the social and political issues in Fokke’s time have influenced the way he chose to represent this earlier event? The emotional intensity of this piece stems from the recognition of the ongoing struggle for social justice and representation. It’s a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in society, and how those on the margins can collectively challenge the status quo.