Ceremonial Sword c. 1650

This ceremonial sword was crafted in the 17th century by Michiel Esselbeek. During this era, the Dutch Republic experienced a surge in maritime power and trade, deeply influencing its art and culture. Swords like these were symbols of authority, paraded in civic rituals and military ceremonies, reflecting the prevailing social hierarchies. The sword’s opulent design, with its ornate hilt, speaks to the theatricality of power. But what does it mean to glamorize violence? And how do objects like these reinforce gendered notions of power and dominance? Consider the emotional weight of such an object, both for those who wielded it and those who witnessed its display. It's not merely an object, but an embodiment of a particular moment in history.