Arnhemse duit 1596 - 1598

This Arnhemse duit, a small coin, bears symbols that carry echoes of cultural memory. On one side, a lion, wreathed in foliage, speaks of strength and dominion. On the other, a coat of arms represents civic identity and heraldic tradition. The lion, a king of beasts, appears throughout history from ancient Mesopotamia to medieval heraldry. From the lion gate of Mycenae to the Lion of Saint Mark in Venice, this symbol transcends cultures and epochs. In each context, the lion embodies ideas of power and authority, shifting in nuance but remaining a potent image. The symbolism here illustrates how collective memory shapes our understanding of power and belonging. Like an archetype emerging from the depths of the subconscious, it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.