Tekstbladen over de gouden beker geschonken aan Cornelis de Witt ter gelegenheid van de Tocht naar Chatham, 1667 1775 - 1799

This is a printed text by Herbert van Beaumont from 1667, created using letterpress techniques. It commemorates Cornelis de Witt's successful raid on Chatham during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. This document offers insight into the social and political climate of the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age. The text, a formal missive, highlights the significance of naval power and military victories to the Dutch identity. It also illustrates the intricate relationship between the state, its military leaders, and the creation of public memory. The decision to commission a golden cup as a commemorative token reveals the cultural values placed on material objects and their role in shaping historical narratives. By examining such texts alongside other historical sources, such as diplomatic correspondence and economic records, we can develop a nuanced understanding of the complex forces that shaped the Dutch Republic and its place in the world.