Rotterdamse regenten afgezet, 3 april 1787 - Theodorus de Roode

A detailed historical etching by Theodorus de Roode depicting the political removal of Rotterdam regents in 1787.

This detailed etching and engraving by Theodorus de Roode documents a specific political event in the Netherlands during the late eighteenth century. The scene depicts the removal of the Rotterdam regents on 3 April 1787, a moment of significant civil unrest during the Patriot era. The composition focuses on the exterior of a municipal building, where a large procession of armed citizens and officials occupies the square.

De Roode employs a precise, linear style characteristic of Dutch topographical and historical printmaking of the period. The architecture is rendered with careful attention to perspective, showing the stone masonry and window arrangements of the town hall. The figures are arranged in orderly rows, reflecting the disciplined nature of the citizen militia involved in the uprising. The lower portion of the print features an elaborate cartouche containing the title and a dedication, which provides context for the viewer regarding the specific political tension between the Patriot faction and the supporters of the Stadtholder.

The work functions as a visual record of the Patriot revolt, capturing the atmosphere of the city during a period of transition. The artist balances the architectural elements with the human activity, ensuring that the scale of the building remains the primary anchor for the viewer. The monochromatic palette emphasises the clarity of the lines and the formal nature of the event. By documenting the public removal of officials, the print serves as a primary source for understanding the social dynamics of the Dutch Republic in the years preceding the Batavian Revolution. The inclusion of the coat of arms and the formal script in the lower margin aligns with the conventions of eighteenth-century commemorative prints, intended for both documentation and political commentary.