Leicesters maaltijd op het stadhuis te Amsterdam, 4 oktober 1587 1722 - 1784

Editor: This drawing by Simon Fokke, dating from somewhere between 1722 and 1784, depicts "Leicester's Meal at the Amsterdam Town Hall, October 4, 1587". It’s done in ink on paper. What strikes me is how this seemingly simple sketch captures such a grand, formal event. What’s your read on it? Curator: Indeed. It’s fascinating to consider this image not just as a depiction of a historical event, but as a product of its own time, much later than the event it depicts. The 18th-century artist is looking back at the 16th-century Earl of Leicester's politically charged visit. This drawing likely served a particular purpose. I wonder, for whom was this image created and what message was it intended to convey, generations later? Editor: Interesting. So, it’s not just about recording history but also about shaping a narrative? The event itself seems quite significant. Curator: Precisely! Think about the context: Leicester was offered the governorship of the Netherlands during a time of revolt against Spanish rule. This meal at the Amsterdam Town Hall wasn't merely a feast; it was a highly symbolic political moment. And by the 18th century, what did this image recall and evoke, especially in a society grappling with its own political and social structures? Is it about civic pride, the fleeting nature of power, or perhaps a reflection on Anglo-Dutch relations? Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's like Fokke isn't just showing us a meal, he's showing us how that meal was remembered and used politically, nearly two centuries later. Curator: Exactly. And consider the role of institutions like the Rijksmuseum in preserving and presenting such imagery. How do museums influence our understanding of history through these objects? Editor: That is a whole new layer to this image, thanks. So much to unpack! Curator: Indeed. These works provide critical insight into how societies construct their identities and histories.