Uitnodiging tot het bijwonen van de uitvoering van Samuel Costers toneelstuk Iphigenia, 1617 1617

This is an invitation to attend the performance of Samuel Coster’s play ‘Iphigenia’, made in 1617 by an anonymous artist. The image encapsulates the cultural and intellectual climate of the Dutch Golden Age, a time of flourishing arts and sciences. The play ‘Iphigenia’ itself would have resonated with audiences familiar with classical Greek tragedies, offering a space to contemplate themes of sacrifice, duty, and divine will. The figures on horseback, bearing the banner of ‘Justice’, introduce a socio-political lens, reflecting the era's debates around governance. Who gets to perform justice? Who is excluded? The invitation appeals to those who ‘love the land’, suggesting a connection between cultural activities and civic identity. Proceeds from the play went to the 'poor orphans,' revealing the role of theater in supporting vulnerable populations. This speaks to the complex relationship between art, patronage, and social responsibility. This invitation is a fascinating artifact, as it bridges the gap between high art and everyday life.