Spotvers op de Orangegezinde ouderling Pieter Joosten, 1784 1784

This anonymous print from 1784, now in the Rijksmuseum, offers insight into the political turmoil of the Dutch Republic. The text is a satirical poem on the death of Joan van der Capellen tot den Pol, a leading Patriot figure. Consider the title: "The Half-Shaven Elder." This refers to Pieter Joosten, an Orangist elder, and the shaving of his head was a form of public humiliation, a symbolic act of defiance against the ruling elite by the Patriots. The print reflects the deep divisions within Dutch society at the time. The Patriots, who sought democratic reforms and challenged the power of the Stadtholder, clashed with the Orangists, who supported the House of Orange. The poem uses strong language to condemn Joosten, portraying him as a traitor and a symbol of oppression. To understand this print fully, researchers could consult pamphlets, newspapers, and political tracts from the period. These resources can shed light on the complex social and political dynamics that shaped the production and reception of this artwork. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.