Lied over de strijd tussen de Franse haan en de Nederlandse leeuw, 1708 1708

“Lied over de strijd tussen de Franse haan en de Nederlandse leeuw,” a broadside by Pieter van den Berge, depicts a poem about the struggle between a French rooster and a Dutch lion. Created in 1708, the artwork provides a glimpse into the political and cultural landscape of the Netherlands at the time. The text, written in Dutch, reflects the tension between the two nations and is likely intended for a Dutch audience, highlighting the Dutch lion’s strength and power. The use of a broadside format, common for disseminating news and political commentary, suggests that the artwork was intended for a public audience. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to chronicle historical events and capture the spirit of a nation.