In 't Jaar 1555 1789 - 1810

Editor: This is "In 't Jaar 1555," created between 1789 and 1810 by an anonymous artist and currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It's a pen and ink drawing that has a slightly theatrical feel. The figures look like actors on a stage. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a commentary on power, tradition, and perhaps even the performance of governance. While it depicts an event from 1555, its creation during the late 18th/early 19th century, a period of revolution and upheaval, is significant. The artist is likely reflecting on the nature of authority. Editor: Interesting. I was focused on the aesthetic, but the timing of its creation… So, is it a critique of the ruling class? Curator: It certainly raises questions about legitimacy. Who is performing for whom, and what does it mean to kneel before power? Think about how gender, class, and even the performativity of leadership intersect here. Are these characters trapped in roles dictated by history? Is the artist questioning if the status quo is fair? Editor: The figures seem so stiff, like puppets almost. That definitely adds to that sense of unease. Curator: Exactly. It prompts us to consider: Who benefits from these established roles? And who is silenced by them? We must interrogate whose voices are amplified and whose are erased when telling historical narratives through art. Editor: This really gives me a new perspective. I had considered it as just a scene, but understanding the history and social context transforms the image completely. Curator: Art is rarely just a pretty picture. It’s a mirror reflecting society, inviting us to challenge dominant narratives and imagine alternative futures. Editor: I see it now; by understanding how and when it was made, it allows us to see that this artwork carries a very different message.