Wapentrofee op paneel met eierlijst 1719

Hubert Quellinus created this panel with egg trim, using etching techniques. Quellinus was a member of an artistic family during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by significant cultural and economic prosperity in the Netherlands. The print presents an assortment of military arms and armor which invites us to reflect on the glorification of war and masculine identity in the 17th century. Consider how these objects, often associated with power and status, reflect the values of a society deeply entrenched in military conflict and colonial expansion. The armor and weaponry symbolize protection and strength, yet they also point to vulnerability and the ever-present threat of violence. This is a time when the traditional representation of men was inextricably linked to their roles as soldiers and defenders of the nation. The artwork serves as a reminder of how historical narratives can shape our understanding of identity and society. It challenges us to consider the human cost of conflict.