Cygnificant – When the urge to write is a life sentence

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The Threatened Swan (Dutch: De bedreigde zwaan) is an oil painting of a mute swan made around 1650 by Jan Asselijn.

The painting’s subject is a life-size swan (Cygnus olor) defending its nest against a dog.

The painting is interpreted as a political allegory of grand pensionary Johan de Witt protecting the country from its enemies.

Looking at todays global political situation there are many similarities and parallels with the challenges that Johan de Witt was facing three and a half centuries ago. His struggle and life works resulted in the earliest blueprint for modern democracy and free market capitalism that made western societies thrive untill the end of the 20th century. Although the blueprint is still viable, a lot of the underpinning guiding principles have been disregarded, neglected, abused or forgotten. Historical significance is a forgotten concept in todays world.

So once again, Cygnus olor and it’s egg are under threat.
This blog is about asking ourselves to consider what is significant about our history in order to elevate it’s impact on the way we live today.