David Bles artwork • painting • for sale The Spitz Dog

At the end of the 18th century, supporters of Stadtholder Willem V - royalist - stood against the Patriots, disaffected citizens who opposed the policy of William V van Oranje. This painting refers to the royalist Orange spirit of the depicted family. For example, there is a Keeshondje, the symbol of the Patriots, also called Kezen, whose name is probably derived from the patriot Cornelis (Kees) de Gijselaaar. The dog is reprimanded by the lady of the house for his 'attack' on the orange lilies in the flower bed, mother sticks out her finger reprovingly and son follows her example with a stick. An orange ribbon with a medallion hangs from her skirt, probably depicting William V. A red, white and blue bow has been tied in the lapel of the master of the house's coat, as well as in his waistcoat pocket. Son bites into an orange, a piece of peel lies on the floor. Even the cat is royally decorated with an orange ribbon.