Man en vrouw met leeg wapenschild c. 1581s - 1591s

This anonymous etching from the late 16th century, titled "Man en vrouw met leeg wapenschild," depicts a man and woman flanking a blank coat of arms. The figures are dressed in ornate clothing, reflecting the fashion of the time. The decorative flourish around the shield suggests a sense of formality and grandeur. The empty space of the coat of arms allows for the inclusion of a specific family crest, indicating the potential for customization and personalization. This artwork is a great example of an engraved coat of arms design, a popular genre in the 16th and 17th centuries. It currently resides at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.