Political tensions are of all times. This selection of silver objects shows how such frictions played out in the final decades of the eighteenth century.

The Dutch Republic was torn apart by growing political unrest. A large part of the population had grown weary of the regent government, perceived as corrupt and self-serving. Stadtholder William V became the main target of criticism: he was accused of failing to stand up for the interests of the people. A sharp divide emerged between the Patriots — who saw themselves as true defenders of the fatherland — and the Orangists, the loyal supporters of the stadtholder. A period of revolutionary turmoil followed, eventually erupting into civil war.

The Kezen and the Swine

The Dordrecht pensionary Cornelis (Kees) Gijselaar was a fervent Patriot and became one of the leading figures of the movement. Because of his first name, the Patriots were caricatured as Keeshonden (Kees dogs) in satirical prints. The Patriots adopted this image as their own, which earned them the nickname Kezen. In turn, they issued caricatures and anti-Orange pamphlets portraying the stadtholder’s supporters as swine.

Silver Symbols

Both sides expressed their convictions through everyday objects and jewellery bearing politically charged symbols, if possible crafted from precious materials. The Patriots favoured the Dutch virgin or a Keeshond, while the Orangists chose the orange tree or portraits of William V and his wife Wilhelmina of Prussia.

Objects and Risk

Alongside the various silver badges these symbols can also be found on silver snuff boxes, tobacco boxes and even on sugar sifter spoons.
Such objects were, however, risky possessions. A ban issued in 1784 made the ownership or wearing of political insignia a capital offence. This explains why these pieces almost never bear a maker’s mark — their creators preferred to remain anonymous.

Yet examples of this silver resistance have survived and several rare pieces of this period are presented here. They unite personal conviction, political struggle and masterful craftsmanship in silver.

Since then, no finer way has been created to express one’s political allegiance.