Portret van Jacob de Witt 1877 - 1879

This is a print of Jacob de Witt, made by Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben, a Dutch artist, in the mid-19th century. It shows the mayor of Dordrecht within an oval frame, with his coat of arms prominently displayed below. Reckleben made this print at a time when the Netherlands was looking back to its so-called 'Golden Age'. As the Dutch grappled with defining their national identity, the 17th century became a focal point. This image presents De Witt as a figure of civic virtue, embodying the values of a bygone era. The choice of printmaking, a medium with a long history in Dutch art, further reinforces this connection to the past. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of Dutch history and culture. Through its collection and presentation, the museum helps to construct a narrative of national identity. By studying prints like this one, alongside archival sources and historical texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, politics, and national identity in the Netherlands.