metal, wood
baroque
metal
wood
decorative-art
Dimensions: length 96.8 cm, diameter 2.5 cm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is the commander’s baton of Michiel de Ruyter, though we don’t know who made it or exactly when. The baton is a symbol of authority, yet this one is made of tortoiseshell and decorated with silver. Think about the message that sends. De Ruyter rose through the ranks during a time of intense naval conflict between the Dutch and the English, later becoming the Lieutenant-Admiral. He was a national hero for the Dutch, a figure whose authority was tied to his role in imperialist battles. This baton, therefore, encapsulates a complex mix of power, prestige and the materials that mark the history of Dutch colonialism. The tortoiseshell reminds us of global trade networks built on exploitation, and the silver denotes wealth. Consider how objects such as this tell stories that are often as much about domination as they are about honor.
Comments
Admiraal de Ruyter was presented with this diamondstudded commander’s baton, as well as several other gifts, in 1676 by the Spanish Viceroy of Naples. At the time the Dutch and Spanish fleets were engaged together against the French in the Mediterranean. Two months later, on 22 April, De Ruyter was hit by a French cannon during fighting off Messina. He died a week later of his wounds.
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