Aanval op het stadhuis tijdens de Julirevolutie 1831

Jean Pierre Marie Jazet created this print of the attack on the city hall during the July Revolution. It depicts a moment of intense conflict, dominated by the French flag—a powerful symbol of liberty, equality, and fraternity. This tricolor banner is reminiscent of classical antiquity's standards and banners. Think of the Roman legions, whose symbols rallied troops and instilled a sense of collective identity and purpose. In this print, the flag serves a similar function, uniting the revolutionaries in their cause. Observe the wounded figures in the foreground. They evoke the pathos-filled imagery of martyred saints, reappearing in countless artworks throughout history. Such emotional appeals have a profound effect on viewers. They tap into our collective memory, stirring feelings of empathy and solidarity that transcend time. Indeed, the symbolism in this print is not confined to the July Revolution. It echoes through history. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different contexts.