Titelprent voor de Hollantsche Mercurius van 1654 1655

Dirck de Bray created this print in 1654 as the title page for the "Hollantsche Mercurius," a Dutch periodical. It's a fascinating snapshot of the Dutch Republic's self-image and its place in the world during the mid-17th century. The print is divided into scenes, each representing a different city or concept, like "Arbor Protest," symbolizing the Protestant cause. Note how "Hollantsche Mercurius" sits atop gathered reeds, while a figure representing Smolensko struggles under the weight of books, perhaps a commentary on the relative power of the press and burdens of knowledge. There is an emotional landscape, one that frames the Dutch Republic as central to trade, religion, and intellectual life. The inclusion of cities like Naples, alongside those closer to home, speaks to the expansive reach and ambition of Dutch merchants and their cultural influence. It's a narrative carefully constructed to showcase Dutch power, while hinting at the complexities and tensions inherent in their global presence.