Beschouw in deze prent een aantal dappere helden, / Wier trouw en dapperheid, in 't bloedig veld betoond, / Aan hunnen vijand soms de wetten stout voorstelde, / behaagt u dit tafereel, dan zyn wy reeds beloond 1814 - 1848

This print, made by Johannis Waleson, presents sixteen brave heroes in battle. It invites us to consider not only their courage but also the narratives of valor and conflict that were circulating at the time. In the Dutch Republic, such depictions of military figures were deeply intertwined with national identity and pride. But what does it mean to celebrate “dappere helden” – brave heroes – without questioning the context of their battles? How does national pride intersect with the experiences of those who were colonized? The figures are romanticized, embodying a specific ideal of masculinity and martial prowess. The verses accompanying each image suggest a desire to instill patriotism and a willingness to defend one's land. However, this perspective overlooks the human cost of war, both for the victors and the vanquished. The print encourages us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are left out, and how these representations shape our understanding of history and heroism.