Art is often deeply political. Patrons sometimes ask to depict history just a little bit more beautifully. Meanwhile, artists show their true political colors through their work.
So this is not merely a historical scene; it was created with a political agenda and contains a striking lie.
What exactly do you see in this painting?
At the centre is the French Sun King, Louis XIV, portrayed majestically on horseback. This contrasts with the humble mayor of Utrecht standing before him, offering him the keys to the city.
In 1672, Utrecht surrendered to the French without a fight, fearing looting by soldiers.
The mighty king and the subservient mayor.
People from Utrecht will spot it immediately: the mountain where the scene takes place is far too high to be part of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. But that is not the only distortion of reality.
More strikingly, Louis was not present at the city's surrender at all. Yet the painting portrays him as the great victor. This is how art can color reality—both literally and figuratively.
Even today, there are influential people who want to bend the truth to their will.
Joyce Overheul created this portrait when Trump ran in the US elections for the second time—using countless glass beads.
Here, Trump is depicted in a way that he is very unlikely to appreciate.
Real news: on the day Trump wins his second election, the Centraal Museum acquires this work.
