Rode richtvlag met witte, gekroonde W 1831

Editor: We're looking at a bright red flag here, titled "Red Ensign with White Crowned W", made around 1831 by an anonymous artist. It's a textile, hanging here at the Rijksmuseum. It has a certain regal feel but also looks kind of worn out, like it has quite a story to tell. What story do you think it has to tell? Curator: Well, imagine the threads themselves whispering tales of wind and waves! The bright red is so evocative; think about what red meant then - courage, revolution even. And topping that proud 'W' with a crown? That anchors it firmly to royalty, specifically King William, I suspect. You have to wonder, did this flag wave in victory or defiance? Editor: Victory, I suppose, since it's royalty related. Does the placement of the 'W' and the crown hold any significance? Curator: Absolutely! Think of the crown and initial sitting so high - like ambition striving towards the heavens, if you’re feeling dramatic! The symbolism could represent authority, power emanating downwards onto the kingdom. Ask yourself why choose that stark white against the assertive red. It commands attention, doesn't it? What kind of statement might that make? Editor: It's so direct. There's no missing it. But you called the flag regal... wouldn't regal flags use gold? Curator: An interesting question! And exactly what art should evoke in the inquisitive mind. Gold is timeless, absolutely! Now consider a practical function of textiles at sea or on campaign and tell me what your mind sees in the relationship between its red surface and the gold one. It seems we are both looking at this red textile more deeply now! Editor: Good point. I was too stuck on royalty. I get what you mean. Seeing this, I now ask what the flag’s function was when the monarch wished to evoke authority at a distance. What statement, indeed! Thanks for that! Curator: My pleasure! Every imperfection in that fabric, the fading around the edges - it all sings of lives, and moments in the life of its nation, doesn't it? It’s like holding a piece of history.