Roemer with the coats of arms of Maurice and Prince Phillip William 1608

This Roemer glass, now in the Rijksmuseum, is decorated with the coats of arms of Maurice and Prince Phillip William and was likely made in the Netherlands. The precise date of its creation is unknown. Drinking glasses in the 17th century weren't just functional objects; they were canvases for expressing social status and political allegiances. The inclusion of heraldic symbols transforms this glass into a statement of power and identity. Consider the context: The Dutch Republic was a burgeoning center of trade and a hotbed of political and religious upheaval. Who were Maurice and Prince Phillip William? Further research into the figures represented, the symbolism of the coats of arms, and the history of glassmaking in the Netherlands can reveal deeper meanings embedded within this object. Understanding art requires that we consult historical sources and consider the social and institutional forces that shaped its creation and reception. The Roemer is an example of the intersection of art, politics and society.