Maurits deelt zijn avondmaal met de gevangengenomen Mendoza, 1600 1791

This print made by Theodoor Koning depicts Maurits sharing his evening meal with the captured Mendoza in 1600. It offers an insight into the social and political dynamics of the Dutch Golden Age. The image uses visual cues and historical associations to create meaning. Produced in the Netherlands, it reflects the cultural values and power structures of the time. The Dutch Republic was in its early stages, marked by conflicts with Spain and a burgeoning sense of national identity. This was also a time when the Protestant faith was growing in prominence. The fact that Prince Maurits shares his evening meal with his captured adversary can be seen as a commentary on the Dutch Republic’s values of fairness and civility. To better understand this artwork, one can delve into historical archives, political pamphlets, and religious texts from the period. Through such research, we can fully appreciate the contingent nature of art, which always exists within a specific social and institutional framework.