Lot 1819

David Hess, 'Hollandia Regenerata', London, 1796, with 20 engravings in red by Willim Humphrys, followed by text in Dutch, English and French. In very good condition with original wrapper, wear to the edges. Hollandia Regenerata is a twenty plate series mocking the newly created Batavian Republic established in Holland in 1795 by Dutch Patriots with the help of French revolutionaries. It was circulated in Holland and elsewhere in Europe with the hope of undermining French plans for revolutionary expansion. Although some of the figures in the prints are based upon real Dutch politicians, the focus on the incompetence and hypocrisy of the administrators of the new Republic was generic enough to be applicable to a potential French invasion of other countries outside Holland. Quite rare in this condition!