The seventeenth century in the Republic is known for its flourishing trade, cultural development and international allure. The thin line between success and decay is measured by politics and...Show moreThe seventeenth century in the Republic is known for its flourishing trade, cultural development and international allure. The thin line between success and decay is measured by politics and diplomacy. Many historians merely praised Stadholders and diplomats for their contribution, but in recent years it has become clear that their wives have also been part of the wide-spread network in the courts of Europe. This research specifically focuses on three Stadholderswives in the Rebublic: Amalia van Solms, Maria Henriëtta Stuart and Albertine Agnes van Nassau. As ladies of the House of Orange, these wives have contributed a great deal to the seventeenth-century diplomacy and dynasty by using feminine qualities and by taking over tasks that previously belonged to their husbands. The purpose of these actions was to continue their dynasty in the most prosperous way. It is the first time that the diplomatic role of these Stadholderswives is researched. It appears that Amalia, Maria and Albertine were female ambassadors who managed to make use of diplomats, husbands and nobility to ensure the continuation of their dynasty.Show less
A history of seventeenth century fencing in the Dutch Republic. In this paper the fencing techniques and fencers of the seventeenth century are being discussed. Fencing manuals form this period...Show moreA history of seventeenth century fencing in the Dutch Republic. In this paper the fencing techniques and fencers of the seventeenth century are being discussed. Fencing manuals form this period often depict fencer running each other through with their rapiers. Furthermore, the way in which seventeenth century fencing master fencing seems to indicate that they are thinking of actual fights to the death. This begs the question of how seventeenth century fencing must be categorised. Was this a sport, a martial art or something entirely different all together? To answer this question this paper looks at the background of students that studied fencing at the Leiden fencing school, the reasons for people in the early modern age to carry swords. After this the fencing manuals of two fencing masters that taught and lived in Leiden are analysed to see what they deemed to be the use of fencing. Overall it can be concluded that the seventeenth century form of fencing could be used as a means for self-defence. Learning how to fence was also an essential part of a gentlemen’s education and a status symbol students perused eagerly.Show less
De zeventiende eeuwse cartografen lieten hun kunde blijken door middel van hun decoraties op zeekaarten. Deze decoraties waren grofweg in een aantal categorieën te onderscheiden: schepen,...Show moreDe zeventiende eeuwse cartografen lieten hun kunde blijken door middel van hun decoraties op zeekaarten. Deze decoraties waren grofweg in een aantal categorieën te onderscheiden: schepen, zeemonsters, etnische en overige illustraties. Middels een steekproef van kaarten uit de Universiteitsbibliotheek Leiden is gekeken in hoeverre verschillen zich ontwikkelden tussen illustraties op kaarten van het Atlantisch en kaarten van het Aziatisch gebied.Show less
In dit onderzoek staat de diplomatieke geschenkencultuur van de Nederlandse Republiek in de zeventiende eeuw centraal. Onderzocht is op welke manier de Republiek zich conformeerde aan de...Show moreIn dit onderzoek staat de diplomatieke geschenkencultuur van de Nederlandse Republiek in de zeventiende eeuw centraal. Onderzocht is op welke manier de Republiek zich conformeerde aan de internationale gemeenschappelijke tradities van het uitwisselen van diplomatieke geschenken.Show less
