Twee mannen vluchten op een paard 1827 - 1851

Jean-Baptiste Madou created this print, "Two Men Fleeing on Horseback," during a time of significant social upheaval in Belgium. Madou, who lived through both the Napoleonic era and the Belgian Revolution, often depicted scenes of everyday life infused with political undertones. Here, we see two figures in flight. The expressions on their faces convey a mix of fear and determination, set against a landscape that seems both familiar and threatening. The artwork subtly raises questions about power, resistance, and the human cost of conflict. Who are these men, and what are they running from? The setting "environs de Bruxelles" tells us that this moment of flight is both deeply personal and intrinsically linked to the broader historical narrative of Brussels. The image evokes a sense of urgency. It invites us to reflect on the experiences of those displaced by conflict, and to consider the emotional and psychological impact of living in uncertain times. The artist urges us to consider who has the privilege to stay and who is forced to flee.