Romeyn de Hooghe, “Allegorie rond de Bataafse Opstand”, c. 1706

Romeyn de Hooghe (also known as Romeijn de Hooge; published occasionally under the pseudonym Gisling) (1645–1708)
“Allegorie rond de Bataafse Opstand” (Allegory of the Batavian Revolt), c. 1706

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching (possibly with engraving) on fine laid paper, trimmed around the image borderline and professionally mounted onto an archival-quality washi support sheet, providing stable margins suitable for framing. The print was published in Amsterdam in 1706 as an illustration to the first volume of Spiegel van Staat der Vereenigde Nederlanden (Mirror of the State of the United Netherlands)—a work designed to chronicle Dutch history.

This powerful etching vividly illustrates the famous motto by the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel (1587–1679):

“HOLLANDIA BLYFT VRY, IN TWEESPALTS ONGELUCKEN. KAN BEYERS RYKSTAF, NOCH BORGONJES MACHT UW DRUCKEN.” (Holland remains free amidst the misfortunes of discord. Neither Bavaria's sceptre nor Burgundy's power can oppress you.)

Though ostensibly depicting the ancient Batavian Revolt against Rome, de Hooghe employs it as a contemporary political allegory. Created during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), the scene symbolises the Dutch Republic as the modern “Batavians” fighting for their freedom against a new tyranny—represented by the alliance of France (the House of Burgundy) and Bavaria. The central combat takes place before a monumental gate adorned with the coats of arms of the Seventeen Provinces, symbolising unified resilience against foreign oppression.

The impression is strong and well-printed, and the sheet is in near-pristine condition—free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 16.9 x 29.8 cm
• Image borderline: 16.6 x 29.5 cm

References

• Landwehr 103 (John Landwehr, Romeyn de Hooghe as Book Illustrator, 1970, Amsterdam, Vangendt & Co., p. 221, cat. no. 103)
• Hollstein (Dutch & Flemish) 737–752 (FWH Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings, and Woodcuts, vol. 9, Amsterdam, Menno Hertzberger, p. 131, cat. nos. 737–758; specifically from the 16 illustrations for Spiegel van Staat)
• Muller (Nederlandsche Geschiedenis in Platen) 3060

Price & Shipping:

AU$255 (approximately US$182.83 / €155.15/ £135.25), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this lively Baroque period etching—an allegorical representation of the Eighty Years' War, emphasising resistance against Spanish tyranny and religious persecution—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless transaction.

This print has been sold