Portret van Edward Pellew Exmouth after 1816

Carl Cristiaan Fuchs created this print of Edward Pellew, Exmouth, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. It’s a piece that speaks volumes about the cultural values of the time. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. As a relatively inexpensive medium, printmaking allowed for the wide circulation of images of public figures and events. Here, the imposing figure of Exmouth, a British naval hero, is presented to the Dutch public. The accompanying text celebrates his actions against Algiers, framing them as a heroic liberation of Christian slaves. The Dutch context is important. After being under French rule, the Netherlands was searching for ways to re-establish itself as a major player on the world stage. Celebrating British military victories against a common enemy served to associate the Dutch with British power. To fully understand this print, we could consult naval records, contemporary newspapers, and political pamphlets. These resources would help us better understand the image's function in shaping public perceptions of international relations and national identity.