Onafhankelijkheid (Independence Monument), Hague

The Independence Monument (Onafhankelijkheid) in The Hague is a profound symbol of Dutch national pride and history, located in the city's Square 1813 (Plein 1813). It was designed by Willem Cornelius van der Wayen Pieterszen. This monument commemorates the significant victory of the Dutch over Napoleon in 1813 during the Battle of Arnhemv, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This victory marked the end of the French era in the Netherlands and paved the way for the formation of the Sovereign Principality of the United Netherlands in 1813, a precursor to the modern Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Independence Monument, unveiled in 1869, not only celebrates this specific victory but also the broader historical context linked to it. Artistically, the monument features a relief depicting King William I taking the constitutional oath. On the opposite side, there is a portrayal of the triumvirate of 1813 - Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp, Frans Adam van der Duyn van Maasdam, and Leopold van Limburg Stirum - who played a crucial role in orchestrating the return of William I. At the apex of the monument stands a triumphant figure of the Dutch Virgin, symbolizing the nation's liberation and victory.

Positioned at the center of a large roundabout, the Independence Monument turns a simple traffic circle into a culturally significant and historic space. It provides a platform for both organized and spontaneous events, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with and reflect upon the legacy of Dutch culture and history.