Fanebæreren, vendt mod højre 1585

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, "Fanebæreren, vendt mod højre," at the height of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by immense economic prosperity and artistic flourishing, but also by stark social hierarchies. Here, we see a flag bearer, a symbol of military might and national identity. The figure exudes confidence and authority, standing tall against a tumultuous landscape of conflict. But consider, who gets to be represented in such a heroic light? The Dutch Golden Age was built on the exploitation of resources and people from colonized lands, and benefitted from the labor of the working classes. Is this an idealized image, that obscures the complexities and inequalities inherent in Dutch society? Does the flag bearer truly represent everyone, or does he stand for a more exclusive, privileged segment of the population? These are vital questions to consider.