Hollandse Maagd met leeuw op troon spreekt voor mannen uit verschillende landen, cartouche met titel 1645

Cornelis van Dalen I created this print in 1645. Dominating the composition is the Dutch maiden, symbol of the Netherlands, standing beside a lion—a traditional emblem of strength and royalty. She addresses a group of men from different nations, advocating for 'Pro Libertate', or freedom. The lion beneath her is a powerful emblem. This symbol echoes through time, seen in ancient Mesopotamian art, where lions represented royal power, and resurfaces in medieval heraldry. This image, however, presents a subdued lion, perhaps representing the restrained power of the Dutch Republic or the complex dynamics between strength and liberty. Notice the maiden's gesture, reminiscent of classical oratory, a pose that harks back to ancient Roman sculptures. This recurring motif, found throughout Renaissance art, signals leadership. Such gestures create a visual bridge across centuries, uniting collective memory and aspiration. These symbols evolve, and their continuous reappearance demonstrates our enduring, cyclical quest for freedom.