The Belgian Curate: I have served under the great man! 1832 - 1833

This is Auguste Raffet’s lithograph *The Belgian Curate: I have served under the great man!*. Raffet created this print during a period of significant political and social change in Europe. The print gives us insight into the sentiments and loyalties of the time. In the image, a group of people are gathered, seemingly in a casual setting, listening to a figure who appears to be a curate recounting his experiences. He proudly proclaims, “I have served under the great man!”, indicating his allegiance to Napoleon Bonaparte, even after Napoleon's fall from power. This is a complex claim, particularly in Belgium, given its history as a territory influenced and controlled by various European powers, including France under Napoleon. The print explores themes of loyalty, identity, and historical memory. The curate's declaration invites us to consider the emotional ties that persisted beyond political changes. We see in this print how individuals reconciled their personal histories with broader political narratives. It is an intimate portrayal of how national and personal identities intertwine, shaped by the currents of history.