Allegorie op de Nederlandse taal met de Hollandse Maagd en Leeuw 1681 - 1731

François van Bleyswijck's "Allegorie op de Nederlandse taal met de Hollandse Maagd en Leeuw" is an etching from the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing a personified allegory of the Dutch language. The central figure, a female figure holding a torch, represents the Dutch language, accompanied by a lion symbolizing the Netherlands. The surrounding landscape is a detailed depiction of the Netherlands, including various ships, towns, and figures. This artwork, part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, exemplifies the Dutch fascination with language and national identity during this period.