Public domain

Telltale

anonymous · c. 1780 - c. 1792 · wax; silver (metal); glass

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

When the back of the telltale is heated, for instance with a candle, a portrait of Hendrik Daniëlsz Hooft, Burgomaster of Amsterdam and supporter of the Dutch Patriots, appears. Also visible are a keeshond and an aphorism translatable as: 'He lives hidden in a cloud in the heart of the Batavian people'. The owner of the object thus reveals his patriotic sympathies.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description

Subjects

miniature verklikker Hendrik Danielsz. Hooft historical persons Amsterdam

Credit lineTelltale. c. 1780 - c. 1792. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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