Vlucht van Willem V en Vernietiging van het Stadhouderschap, decoratie in de Plantage, 1795 (uitleg) 1795

This satirical print, made in Amsterdam by Dirk Meland Langeveld in 1795, commemorates the flight of Willem V, the last Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, and the end of his rule. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the revolutionary fervor sweeping through the Netherlands at the time. The print uses visual codes to portray Willem V's departure as a moment of liberation. The fleeing Stadtholder, his family, and his riches contrast with the uprooting of the Orange tree by French and Batavian soldiers. This visual metaphor signifies the dismantling of the old political order. The print reflects the influence of the French Revolution and the rise of the Batavian Republic, which embraced Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Langeveld’s print, sold for a mere three duiten, exemplifies the use of imagery to disseminate political messages and sway public opinion during a time of social upheaval. To fully grasp the print's significance, we might consult pamphlets, newspapers, and political tracts from the period. These sources reveal how the Dutch public debated and ultimately embraced the end of the Stadtholderate.