De Orangiste, 1695 1695

Editor: Right, next up, we have "De Orangiste," created in 1695 by Cornelis Dusart. It's a print, using the etching technique, and currently resides in the Rijksmuseum. Honestly, it's a little chaotic – a figure, seemingly a woman, lurches forward brandishing what looks like a flag and a pitchfork. It strikes me as a…drunken political statement? What are your thoughts on it? Curator: Drunken political statement… I love that! Yes, it feels like stumbling through a particularly rowdy election rally, doesn’t it? Look at her wild expression. She's caught in mid-shout, hoisting symbols—that flag with the, um, somewhat unkempt foliage (laughs)—along with what appears to be a farming implement… or is it a weapon? Makes you wonder, what *is* she protesting *for*? And more importantly, *how much* has she had to drink before she got this passionate? Editor: That’s a great point! I didn’t consider what the flag represented exactly. And what about the men in the background on the left. They seem more stern in their presentation. Does the Dutch text at the bottom perhaps offer any clues? Curator: Ah, always digging deeper. I am so glad to see you interested in history! You have to admire that in a way this image captures the Baroque era – drama! Excess! And a very pointed sense of social commentary! In addition, it tells an old story, so very ancient, almost like political messages haven't evolved since... hmm. Does any of this change your intial feeling that you had of this composition being 'chaotic' at all? Editor: Yes! Definitely seeing more than the initial chaotic presentation that really shows a specific mood. Thank you. Curator: Excellent. That sort of visual decoding is such a pleasure, isn't it? Another tiny layer revealed in a piece.