D'Alton en Trauttmansdorff tentoongesteld achter tralies 1787 - 1790

This anonymous etching resides at the Rijksmuseum. It provides an intriguing window into the late 18th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval. The print depicts two men, D'Alton en Trauttmansdorff, caged and paraded, an unsettling image that speaks volumes about power, humiliation, and public sentiment. The act of displaying individuals in such a manner raises questions about justice, spectacle, and the construction of identity through public shaming. It invites us to consider who is granted power to define and judge others, and what mechanisms they employ. The jeering crowd adds another layer, highlighting the role of collective emotion and social pressure in shaping perceptions and driving actions. Ultimately, this etching is not just a historical record, it is a poignant reminder of the enduring human capacity for both cruelty and resistance, and the complexities of navigating identity within shifting social landscapes.