KRAMP, L.W., Manuscript mock testament for Daniël Raap

Beschrijving

Seven page anonymous manuscript so-called testament for Daniël Raap, opening with the line: ‘In den Name Lucifers Amen’ (In the name of Lucifer, amen) immediately identifying the content as satirical. The location is identified as ‘voor den Hove van Lucifer residerende binnen Angst en Bang (Amsterdam)’: before the Court of Lucifer, in residence within Fear and Scared (Amsterdam).

Brown ink on laid paper, around 30 lines per page, two sheets bound with simple cord bindings in the top and lower edges, sheet size (open) 422 x 333 mm. Watermarks in both sheets: ‘JH & Zoon’ and a ‘pro patria eiusque libertate', showing a lion rampant on a pedestal with 'Vryheyt' (freedom) on it. These watermarks from Jan Honig & Zoon date to c. 1730-1780.

The text is identical to the printed text of ‘Testament of Uyterste Wille van den Heere Daniel Raap’ (see: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam RP-P-OB-84.473). The testament itself is dated 20 November 1753, while the published version is dated 1754, the year of death of Daniël Raap. This is probably a contemporary copy (or 'afschrift').

Daniël Raap (Amsterdam 1703-1754) was a Dutch porcelain merchant who played a leading role during the Orangist revolution in the Netherlands of 1747-1751. Although he was initially revered by the people of Amsterdam, his popularity had turned by the time he died. Riots broke out during his funeral procession, and his coffin was destroyed.

In good condition, used to be folded twice (creases visible), some small imperfections in the sheet edges but generally clean.