Blad met handgeschreven beschrijvingen van scènes uit 'Keur van gedenkwaardige tafereelen uit de vaderlandsche historiën' 1893 - 1895

This is a sheet with handwritten descriptions of scenes from 'Keur van gedenkwaardige tafereelen uit de vaderlandsche historiën' by Johan Huizinga. The artwork gives us a glimpse into the Dutch national consciousness, reflecting a fascination with key moments in its own history. The sheet combines text with a sketch. The descriptions cover events from 1665 to 1811. These are all moments of national significance, such as the arrival of the French, or Pichegru's crossing of the frozen Dutch waterways. The sketch at the bottom shows a Dutch flag flying over Desima, Japan, a trading post that was for centuries, the Dutch Republic's only window to Asia. Huizinga's choice of subjects reveals a selective memory, creating a narrative of national resilience and cultural exchange. Understanding this work requires us to delve into the cultural and political climate of the Netherlands. Historical documents, literature, and art from that time, can help us understand the construction of national identity.