Gedicht bij de prent van het ontzet van Kopenhagen, 1659 1659

This broadside, printed in 1659, features a poem by Joost van den Vondel, commemorating the relief of Copenhagen under Frederick the Third, King of Denmark and Norway. The poem is a celebration of military triumph and national sovereignty, but it also invites us to consider the role of print in shaping public opinion during times of conflict. Printed in the Dutch Golden Age, this broadside reflects the period's intense interest in political and military events. The text makes use of classical references, such as the mention of Nimrod, to elevate the status of King Frederick and legitimize his power, while also speaking to a classically literate public. The poem also suggests the role of the artist as a public figure, using his skills to shape national identity. To fully understand this artwork, we could look at the history of Dutch printmaking, the political history of Denmark in the 17th century, and the biography of Vondel. In doing so, we see how art is not just a reflection of history, but an active participant in it.