Kapitein Cornelis Jansz Witsen en luitenant Johan Oetgens van Waveren 1874

Edouard Taurel made this print of Kapitein Cornelis Jansz Witsen en luitenant Johan Oetgens van Waveren, but we don't know exactly when. Prints like these are images of power, wealth, and civic virtue in the Netherlands. It seems to commemorate an alliance or victory with the two men shaking hands in what might be a symbolic gesture. These men seem to be high ranking officers with the items they possess. During this time, the Dutch Republic emerged as a major maritime and economic power. The country fostered a culture of relative tolerance and intellectual freedom compared to its European neighbors. Dutch art became known for its realism, attention to detail, and focus on everyday life. The Rijksmuseum holds a significant collection of Dutch Golden Age art. Examining historical documents, such as city records, military archives, and personal letters, might shed light on the specifics of this alliance. Art history allows us to interpret the symbolic meanings embedded in its visual codes, revealing its complex social and institutional context.