Dedicatie aan de baljuw, burgemeesters, schepenen en raad van de stad Vlissingen, pagina 2 van 2 Possibly 1616 - 1617

This page, crafted in 1617 by David Roelands, presents a dedication to the magistrates of Vlissingen. The visual impact of the text stems from its arrangement on the page. The dense, uniform lines of elegant script, form a structured block, creating a sense of formality and order. The dark ink on the aged paper provides a stark contrast, emphasizing the texture and materiality of the page itself. This interplay between script and surface invites a close inspection of the words. The dedication, beyond its literal meaning, functions as a carefully constructed semiotic system. The formal language and respectful tone operate as cultural codes, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. Furthermore, the emphasis on virtue, freedom, and divine glory is a subtle engagement with contemporary philosophical concerns around governance and morality. The structured layout and deliberate choice of words reflect an attempt to stabilize meaning within a complex social and political landscape. Ultimately, the text operates not merely as a statement, but as an artifact embedding the values and aspirations of its creator within the formal constraints of its medium.