Allegorische voorstelling met Nederlandse Maagd en Hercules 1697 - 1725

Joseph Mulder created this print, “Allegorical Representation with Dutch Maiden and Hercules”, sometime around the turn of the 18th century. It uses mythological and allegorical figures to construct an argument about Dutch liberty. On the left, the Dutch Maiden sits armed with a spear, a symbol of governance, with a beaver at her feet, referencing hard work and diligence. She is backed by a crowd of figures wielding axes. On the right, Hercules defeats a lion, likely representing tyranny. The print uses classical imagery to communicate a political message, associating Dutch identity with a narrative of freedom. The print speaks to a long tradition of Dutch artists using allegory to explore the nation’s identity and political ambitions. To fully understand its context, you might research the political climate of the Dutch Republic at the time and study the iconography of Dutch Maiden imagery.