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

This broadside, made by Pieter van den Berge around 1708, presents an allegorical song about the conflict between France, represented by a rooster, and the Netherlands, symbolized by a lion. The artwork's form is dominated by dense text arranged in neat columns, typical of printed songs of the period. The monochromatic print emphasizes clarity and direct communication. The structure of the poem is divided into verses, which creates a rhythmic reading experience. This formal arrangement facilitates the dissemination of political commentary, embedding it within a popular cultural form. The choice of typography and layout—functional rather than decorative—mirrors the practical intent of political communication during wartime. The broadside’s design suggests a semiotic interplay between the textual content and its physical presentation, with the rooster and lion embodying national traits. The poem destabilizes notions of valor, portraying the lion as fearful, challenging the fixed idea of national pride.