Ontwerp voor een tempeltje ten gelegenheid van de Vrijheid onder Napoleon c. 1752 - 1819

Jurriaan Andriessen made this ink drawing of a temple design to mark the arrival of so-called ‘freedom’ under Napoleon. The image gives us insight into the cultural and political dynamics of the Netherlands during the Napoleonic era. Note the inscription at the base, which translates to 'We speak of the arrival of His Majesty in The Hague'. By creating symbolic structures such as this temple, artists like Andriessen participated in shaping public perception and legitimizing political power. But, the context is complex. Napoleon's arrival was viewed differently by various groups within Dutch society. Some welcomed the promise of stability and modernization, while others resisted the imposition of foreign rule. By looking into sources from the period, such as political pamphlets, newspaper articles, and personal correspondence, we can better understand the hopes, fears, and aspirations of the Dutch people during this transformative period in their history.