Vuursteenpistool met batterijslot c. 1770 - 1780

A. Streignard made these flintlock pistols with battery lock out of wood and metal. Guns like these, produced in the Netherlands and elsewhere, were important symbols of power. To understand their social impact, consider the Dutch colonial empire from the 17th century onwards. Dutch ships, equipped with cannons and firearms, enabled global trade networks and established dominance over foreign territories. The display of weaponry, such as these highly decorated pistols, reflected the owner's status within this system of power. The wealth generated through colonial exploitation funded the art market. Dutch Golden Age painting, for example, emerged from specific social conditions. Understanding these historical, economic, and political contexts is crucial for interpreting the art and material culture of the era. To learn more, consult historical archives, trade records, and studies of colonialism and its legacies.