Vensters van de Beurs te Vlissingen, 1772 1773

Caspar Jacobsz. Philips created this print in 1772, titled "Vensters van de Beurs te Vlissingen." It depicts six scenes, each reflecting aspects of Dutch identity and history. These images speak to a society deeply invested in its self-image, grappling with its identity amid political and economic changes. The scenes celebrate military strength and trade, with allegorical figures representing virtues and historical events. Yet, these idealized images also obscure the complexities of Dutch society, including the realities of colonial expansion and the lives of those excluded from positions of power. These images show us the Netherlands's narrative of itself. What isn't shown is just as important as what is. Philips's print invites us to reflect on the stories a nation chooses to tell about itself, and to consider the voices that are left out. How do these historical representations shape our understanding of Dutch identity today?