Hier kunt gy jonge lien, veel adelyke ruyters sien 1723 - 1748

This hand-colored etching of rows of horsemen is by Isaak van der Putte and resides in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, this image seems to simply display noblemen, but it also reflects the political and social structure of its time, likely the 17th century. The Dutch Republic was a relatively new nation, defined by its merchantile successes rather than by aristocracy. The print may be self-consciously conservative in its display of noblemen. Note the Dutch text at the top, suggesting it was created for a local audience. Consider how the image's visual codes, such as the riders' clothing and weaponry, signal their status and power. To fully understand this etching, we need to investigate the social and political history of the Dutch Republic, accessing archives and primary source documents, to uncover its nuanced meaning.