In de vroegste tyden der Batavieren c. 1789 - 1810

This small drawing, made with pen and wash, imagines the earliest days of the Batavians. Though its creator remains anonymous, the image conjures a constructed history. The Batavians, an ancient Germanic people, were mythologized in the Netherlands as noble ancestors during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. Here, we see a scene of apparent sacrifice or ritual, set against a backdrop of trees. The image speaks to an invented past meant to legitimize a particular vision of Dutch identity. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, has played a significant role in shaping national narratives through its collections. Visual codes like the figures' dress and the solemn atmosphere contribute to the sense of a distant, foundational moment. Understanding this drawing requires us to consider the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production. Resources in archives and libraries can reveal the historical context, helping us interpret the meaning of art as something contingent on social and institutional forces.