Vertrek van prins Frederik, 1830 1830 - 1831

This print, "Vertrek van prins Frederik, 1830," made by an anonymous artist, captures a charged moment during the Belgian Revolution. It shows Prince Frederik of the Netherlands departing by boat amidst the uprising. The text below, “plus d'incendie, plus de viole, ni pillage / je vais de nouveau fabriquer du fromage," translates to "no more fire, no more rape, no more looting / I'm going to make cheese again.” This juxtaposition of violence and pastoral domesticity speaks volumes about the perceived Dutch oppression and the longing for peace and normalcy. The artist’s choice to remain anonymous perhaps reflects the danger of openly criticizing the Dutch monarchy at that time. Instead, the artist uses the image as a form of resistance. The scene depicts the prince leaving, signaling a shift in power dynamics. The print encapsulates a pivotal moment in Belgian history. It underscores the complex interplay between national identity, resistance, and the desire for self-determination. It invites us to reflect on the human cost of conflict.