Lint van J.R. Thorbecke c. 1850

Curator: Here we have “Lint van J.R. Thorbecke,” a ribbon dating back to approximately 1850, held in the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its simple elegance. The strong horizontal lines created by the gold stripes against the deep blue fabric create a very satisfying composition. The material seems deliberately unadorned; the craftsmanship speaks for itself. Curator: Indeed. In the mid-19th century, ribbons like these were potent symbols of civic duty and national identity. J.R. Thorbecke, after whom this ribbon is named, was a hugely important Dutch statesman, largely responsible for reforming the Dutch constitution. A ribbon like this would likely have been worn or displayed by his supporters, as emblems of shared political identity and loyalty. Editor: So, it functions almost like a political banner? Looking closer, the quality of light and shadow across the fabric is remarkable. Notice the subtle sheen of the material and the way the gold seems almost illuminated against the darker blue. This gives it an ethereal quality, elevating a simple piece of cloth to something quite extraordinary. Curator: It speaks volumes about the burgeoning sense of Dutch national pride at the time. Blue and gold, especially together, are colors laden with cultural associations to Dutch national symbolism. Ribbons and other similar ephemera, like flags or cockades, become shorthand through which individuals broadcast belonging and alignment within that broader narrative. The ribbon form is also notable—it can be tied, displayed, gifted. Editor: Absolutely, it possesses a striking clarity of form. The central knot creates an elegant symmetry, grounding the work while adding an additional dimension. Curator: I find it fascinating how seemingly simple objects can reveal such complex webs of cultural meaning and personal stories. Editor: And I’m consistently impressed by how closely observing basic formal qualities can enrich an experience with what is at face value a rather ordinary thing.