after 1747
Oranjelint 1747
Anonymous
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RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This printed orange ribbon dates back to 1747. Its inscriptions express loyalty to the House of Orange, a powerful symbol of Dutch identity. The color orange, originally associated with the dynasty, became synonymous with national pride. We see it echoed in celebrations, attire, and even in the cultivation of orange carrots, a whimsical yet poignant manifestation of national identity. The act of choosing and displaying this color becomes a potent assertion of belonging and shared sentiment. Consider the ribbon itself: in ancient cultures, ribbons were a symbol of memory and connection. Here, it acts as a tangible expression of collective memory, linking individuals to a shared history and political cause, transforming this simple object into a powerful artifact, carrying the emotional weight of a nation's aspirations and identity.