Feest der Vrijheid op de Dam te Amsterdam, 4 maart 1795 1795

Reinier Vinkeles captured this engraving of the Feast of Freedom on Dam Square in Amsterdam, celebrating the first year of Batavian Freedom in 1795. The print reflects the complex social and political changes ushered in by the Batavian Revolution, influenced by the French Revolution. It replaced the Stadtholder with a more democratic republic. We can see the jubilant crowd, a mix of classes, celebrating around the Liberty Tree, a symbol of revolutionary ideals. Yet, this image also reminds us of the uncomfortable contradictions of the era. The Dutch Republic, while embracing ideals of freedom at home, was simultaneously implicated in colonial exploitation abroad. It is important to remember that the concept of freedom was not universally applied. The print reflects how revolutions are rarely simple or without their own set of oppressions. The promise of liberty, equality, and fraternity often fell short for many. Consider the stories that are not told here, the voices that are not heard. The print then invites us to reflect on how celebrations of national identity can mask deeper, unresolved issues of social justice and equality.