Vlucht van de Fransen van Papendrecht, 1813 1813 - 1815

Johannes Christiaan Schotel made this artwork depicting ‘Flight of the French from Papendrecht’ in 1813. It captures the nuanced period of the Netherlands' transition from French occupation to renewed independence. Schotel, known for his marine scenes, here visualizes a land-based conflict, marking a moment of national and cultural identity. The fleeing French soldiers, rendered in shades of grey, evoke a sense of disarray and defeat, contrasting sharply with the implied resurgence of Dutch spirit. It reflects the broader power dynamics in Europe at the time. What interests me most is how Schotel, through his art, participates in the construction of national pride and collective memory. This artwork serves as a reminder of the fluid and often tumultuous nature of identity and belonging. It reflects on how societies grapple with the aftermath of conflict and occupation, and the stories they choose to tell themselves in the process of rebuilding.