Jacob Simonsz de Rijk geeft zijn ontslagbrief aan Cristóbal de Mondragón y Otalora terug 1774

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, "Jacob Simonsz de Rijk gives his letter of resignation to Cristóbal de Mondragón y Otalora back", sometime between 1741 and 1816. It depicts a moment of defiance and negotiation of power in the midst of conflict. The scene captures Jacob de Rijk, a man caught between loyalty and integrity, as he returns his resignation to Cristóbal de Mondragón. This act challenges the expectations of servitude, highlighting the tension between personal ethics and imposed authority. Set within what appears to be a church, the backdrop adds a layer of solemnity and moral weight to the exchange. The Dutch text below the image translates to, "I do not desire freedom at the expense of my honor. Give me my chains back," offering insight into de Rijk’s values. The work poses questions about the meaning of freedom, the burden of honor, and the choice between submission and resistance. It is through these negotiations of identity that the print becomes more than just a historical record, but also an introspective piece on personal integrity.