Spotvers bij het portret van Rink Aitsma 1710 - 1720

This poem, dedicated to Rink Aitsma, burgomaster of the city of Leeuwarden, is an ode to Dutch identity and political allegiance. Though the artist remains unknown, the work speaks volumes about the cultural climate of its time. The poem creates an image with a reference to "Orange," a clear nod to the House of Orange-Nassau, central to Dutch identity and the struggle for independence. The mention of orange ribbons and the explicit reference to the “House of Orange” suggests a culture deeply entrenched in political and nationalistic sentiments. Yet, this piece also hints at the potential for dissent. It speaks of conspiracy and advocates being thrown into a basket, which could indicate underlying political tensions or dissatisfaction. The poem becomes a complex artifact, weaving together national pride and the shadowy undercurrents of political life. The poem invites us to consider the artist's own position within this society: were they an ardent supporter, a critic, or an ambivalent observer? This is not just a piece of calligraphy; it's a glimpse into the fraught and multifaceted nature of identity during a transformative period in Dutch history.