Michiel de Ruyter (1607-1676) (?) c. 1743 - 1759

Editor: So, here we have a sculpture from circa 1743-1759, of Michiel de Ruyter. It’s made of wood and the artist is Johannes Fredericus Maes. I am really struck by how solid the bust seems despite the somewhat soft features of the face, it has a Baroque aesthetic, but still appears realistic. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It is tempting to view this sculpture purely as a tribute to a historical figure, but I wonder what role it served within the socio-political context of its own time. How might it have functioned as a vehicle for promoting particular ideals or narratives surrounding Dutch national identity? Editor: That's an interesting point! It could be seen as a tool for national pride and collective identity at that time, celebrating a war hero. Do you think the medium being wood makes a difference? Curator: Absolutely! Wood is an accessible medium. Its relative affordability suggests this wasn’t necessarily commissioned by the elite but rather by, or for, a broader public. This would open doors for various intersectional narratives to examine questions around class and accessibility within art consumption. Think about who had access to images and representations of power in 18th-century Netherlands. Editor: So, the choice of material makes it political, connecting representation and class. Curator: Precisely. It makes us question whose stories are told and how, which is incredibly important when dealing with historical figures and how they're presented. It allows us to consider both the artistic intention and the wider societal forces at play. What do you think? Editor: I hadn’t considered that. Viewing it as an object promoting collective memory opens up a fascinating debate! Curator: Agreed. Thinking about it through that lens creates opportunity to examine who benefits from such stories.