Twee trofeeën 1719

Hubert Quellinus made these Two Trophies using etching. During the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age was in full swing; a period marked by unprecedented economic prosperity, artistic innovation, and colonial expansion. Quellinus, situated in this world, crafted these designs, that speak to prevailing cultural values. Consider the use of classical motifs, such as the cherubs and symbolic objects, reflecting the era's fascination with antiquity. How does this classical imagery intersect with the burgeoning Dutch identity and its maritime power? The trophies, adorned with both terrestrial and marine elements, might be seen to celebrate the nation's dominance over land and sea. Quellinus made these trophies perhaps to ennoble and justify Dutch economic activities in relation to its colonial aspirations. They offer a window into the complex relationship between art, power, and identity in the Dutch Golden Age, inviting us to reflect on whose stories are elevated and whose are left unseen.