Verovering van de Franse kanonneerboot Ste. Lucie, 1793 1793

This print by Robert Pollard commemorates the Dutch capture of the French gunboat Ste. Lucie in 1793. It’s a seemingly straightforward depiction of a naval victory, but understanding its historical context reveals a complex web of social and political tensions. Made during a period of upheaval in Europe, with the French Revolution sending shockwaves across the continent, this image reflects the anxieties and power struggles of the time. The Dutch Republic, itself grappling with internal divisions, saw its established order threatened by revolutionary ideas. This print, therefore, functions as a piece of propaganda, celebrating a military success and reinforcing a sense of national pride in the face of external threats. To fully appreciate this artwork, we need to delve into the archives – newspapers, pamphlets, and political tracts of the time. By examining these sources, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped its production and reception, and uncover its role in the ongoing debates about national identity, political allegiance, and the place of the Dutch Republic in a rapidly changing world.