Ontvangst van leden van de Algemene Centrale Vergadering in de Vergadering van Holland, 1795 1800 - 1801

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman made this print in 1795, showing the reception of members of the National Assembly in the Assembly of Holland. It depicts a moment of political change in the Netherlands, a time when existing social norms were being challenged. In January 1795, French revolutionary troops invaded the Dutch Republic, leading to the Batavian Revolution. The old order was swept away and replaced by a new, more democratic system of government, the Batavian Republic. The print shows that those who were considered representatives of the people were being formally introduced to the Assembly of Holland. The image creates meaning through its depiction of this formal ceremony, the architectural setting, and the clothing of the figures. The handshake is a key element, symbolizing the transfer of power and authority from the old regime to the new. The print shows the social conditions of the late 18th century and the political movements that were transforming Europe. Historians use a range of resources, such as letters, diaries, newspapers, and official documents, to understand the social and institutional contexts in which art is made. By studying these sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and significance of art as a product of its time.