The patriots (known as 'bataves', who had emigrated in 1787 after their defeat by the anglo-prussian alliance, see bmsat 7178, &c. ) approach the committee (apparently two french représentants en mission) with requests for money and clothes. Four men stand obsequiously on the right, two with papers inscribed 'request'. From the pocket of one (right), dressed as a soldier, projects a carriage-lamp (which he is alleged in the text to have stolen). One frenchman (wearing a scarf inscribed 'representant'), holding a pair of breeches, puts money into an outstretched palm. The other haughtily watches the suppliants. On the left an old jew measures a patriot wearing sabots, his coat inscribed 'n° 25', for a suit of clothes. Behind him is a wall from which projects a sign: 'nathan levi uitdraager en kleermaaker' [broker and tailor]. On the wall are four pegs, from one hangs a 'capts pack': coat, boots, and sword, from another a 'lts pack': coat and sword. Between them hangs a small empty bag of 'courage militais' [sic], and on the right a mask. Behind the suppliants is a door (right) above which is a notice surmounted by a cap of liberty: 'nederlandsche \ societeÿt \ vry wÿn en moll' [wine and beer gratis]. On the door: 'gebranndte waateren te koop' [brandy for sale]. Text, 'proverbs', xiii. 21. 1796
etching printed in red. Date: 1796. Dimensions: Height: 254 mm; Width: 213 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. HET COMMITTE' VAN UITGEWEKENEN. (Refugees) (BM 1851,0901.1322)
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