The Threatened Swan

If you’ve ever visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, this image of a swan with its wings spread out may strike you as familiar. The swan on the mural resembles the renowned painting “The Threatened Swan ” by Jan Asselijn, a 17th-century Dutch painter. The painting now resides in the Gallery of Honor of the Rijksmuseum. With a defiant gaze and with open wings, the swan defends her nest, situated behind her.

The swan on the mural also defends her offspring: if you look closely, you can see there is a boat behind the swan. This boat is manned by the inhabitants of the Zwanennest. To be frank, the Zwanennest truly is a nest: new flatmates that join are often novice rowers that are just taking their first steps at rowing on such an intensive level. In this house, older rowers can support and stimulate the younger ones, as well as discipline them. For example, it is the responsibility of the youngest member to make sure there is coffee for the cleaning lady each Friday morning.

The swan with spread wings also returns in the house logo, which is used for various merchandise items: a formal house tie, a house bathrobe, a house flag, a weapon, a rugby shirt, et cetera.