Allegorie rond de Bataafse Opstand 1704 - 1706

This engraving by Romeyn de Hooghe commemorates the Batavian Revolt. At its heart, we see allegorical figures, with symbols of Roman power being overthrown. Note especially the image of a globe at the center of the composition. The globe is more than a mere geographical representation; it is a symbol of dominion and the world order, here precariously tilted, its power challenged. The globe as a symbol has an ancient lineage, appearing in Roman art to signify the emperor's universal rule. Yet, its appearance here is a provocative twist. We recall its presence in Renaissance cartography, embodying the age of exploration and colonial ambition. Here, the globe is re-appropriated, subverted to represent a struggle against imperial power. Consider how symbols, like the globe, are not static, but evolve, carrying layers of historical meaning. This image serves as a potent reminder of how cultural memory shapes our understanding of power, resistance, and the cyclical nature of history.