Plate with the Costerman revolt, the plundering of the house of Jacob van Zuylen c. 1690 - 1700

This is an anonymous plate depicting the Costerman revolt and the plundering of Jacob van Zuylen's house. It's rendered in a striking blue and white glaze. The composition of the plate is divided into two main areas. At its center, a dynamic scene of destruction unfolds: a building under siege, figures scaling its walls, and a sense of chaotic energy. Encircling this central image is an ornamental border, carefully patterned, providing a contrasting sense of order and containment. The plate uses semiotic codes by contrasting chaos and order within its structure to create a statement. The central image, with its active lines and implied violence, is framed and thus contained by the controlled geometric pattern of the border. The plate challenges fixed meanings by presenting historical events with patterns of rebellion and containment. This contrast is not just aesthetic; it invites reflection on the nature of history, power, and representation. It suggests that even moments of upheaval are eventually framed by established structures.