Strijd tegen de Belgen c. 1822 - 1849

This lithograph, titled 'Strijd tegen de Belgen', or 'Battle against the Belgians', was created by Schalekamp & Van de Grampel in the Netherlands. It’s a printed image, made for wide distribution and consumption. Lithography, the printing technique used here, allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. This made it perfect for disseminating images related to current events, like the Belgian Revolution. The subject matter is war and national identity. The scenes show Dutch military actions against Belgian forces. The use of lithography emphasizes the political nature of the artwork. It was intended to sway public opinion, not to exist as a unique art object. Considering its form as a mass-produced print, its value lies not in its uniqueness but in its role as a tool for shaping public perception. By understanding the material and social context of this work, we recognize the link between art, industry, and national sentiment.