Fragment of a Ship Flag 1570 - 1630

"Fragment of a Ship Flag" is a large-scale textile from the Rijksmuseum, dating back to 1570-1630, and showcases the artistic techniques of an anonymous artist from the Dutch Golden Age. The fragment is a depiction of a heraldic shield with a lion, likely representing a Dutch noble family, surrounded by a decorative border of a Greek fret pattern. The inscription "Plus Ultra," meaning "further beyond," likely reflects the ambitious spirit of maritime exploration of the time. The faded colors and worn canvas, evident in the image, speak to the flag's maritime origins and the passage of time.