Spotvers bij het portret van Nicolaas de Vooght 1710 - 1720

This is an anonymous handwritten text, 'Verses on the portrait of Nicolaas de Vooght', currently held in the Rijksmuseum. While the artist remains unknown, the script provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and political sentiments of its time. The verses suggest a society deeply invested in civic pride, social connections, and political maneuvering. References to figures like Nicolaas de Vooght, a mayor of Arnhem, alongside phrases praising those “bound to signs and letters” and who are “well versed” in political matters, underscore the importance of status and political influence within the community. The handwritten nature of the piece adds an intimate, personal dimension, giving insight to the circulation of political and social commentary among the literate classes. The text evokes an emotional tableau of public life and private ambition. While the author remains a mystery, their verses reflect the social values, networks, and dynamics of their era.