De weerstand van de Raad van Brabant gebroken, 22 januari 1788 1787 - 1790

This etching, made in 1788 by an anonymous artist, captures a pivotal moment in Brabant, now part of Belgium. The image depicts the Council of Brabant, subdued on January 22nd of that year. Look closely, and you'll see the council members flanked by armed guards. Their resistance has been broken by military might, but their seated posture suggests a quiet, simmering defiance. The artist uses the stark contrast between the confined interior space and the open doorway to emphasize the council’s loss of autonomy. This piece speaks to the delicate balance between authority and resistance. It also raises questions about who has the power to define justice. The inscription at the bottom, with its satirical reference to weapons and compliance, underscores the coercion at play. The print serves as a reminder of how political power can be imposed, and the personal and collective costs of resistance.