Britse ridderorde (The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George), ontvangen door Willem Drees before 1958

Editor: Here we have "Britse ridderorde (The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George), ontvangen door Willem Drees," dating from before 1958. It's currently housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It looks like an object made for presentation or display. Curator, what strikes you about this order? Curator: The most salient element is the display of power through symbols of honor. Decorations such as this were bestowed to powerful elites, politicians, or influencers of the period, therefore, the "gift" is hardly apolitical, but it has strong geopolitical undertones and must be analyzed within that framework. In what ways does this presentation impact your perception? Editor: It definitely feels carefully constructed. I am thinking about the presentation in its box, it really speaks to the historical moment. How were such artifacts perceived then, compared to how they might be viewed now? Curator: Well, the granting of orders like this reinforced a specific kind of diplomatic exchange that highlighted hierarchical social and political structures. Now, the symbols can be seen as quaint, or even emblematic of a colonial past that we’ve hopefully moved beyond. It prompts us to consider whose stories are being told through such objects, and whose are being omitted. What do you think of the brand depicted as creator of the artifact? Editor: Hmm, the mention of Ltd Garrard & Co is interesting, as I had not thought of luxury brands, but it now feels like another way to analyze such symbolic items. Curator: Precisely, analyzing the socio-political landscape provides context. Reflecting on the brand that produces this imagery enables the interpretation, moving towards power and the social elite. It shows a curated world where symbols transmit stories and maintain particular versions of the official, established narrative. Editor: I guess what I'm taking away is the realization that even seemingly simple objects carry such a weight of cultural and political history, shaping our perception even today. Curator: Exactly. The political power of symbols cannot be overstated, even, or perhaps especially, in something as seemingly innocuous as an honorific order.