Vaandrig van het Genootschap tot Nut der Schutterij te Amsterdam, 1787 1787

This watercolor, made in 1787 by an anonymous artist, depicts a standard-bearer of the Civic Guard in Amsterdam. Note the flag held high: within a laurel wreath, we see a bundle of arrows, bound together, signifying unity and strength. This motif has ancient roots; think of the Roman fasces, a bundle of rods and an axe, symbolizing power and authority. But here, the arrows represent the collective strength of the citizenry, a concept that echoes through time, resurfacing in various forms of civic and national symbolism. The laurel wreath, an emblem of victory and honor since antiquity, adds another layer. It brings to mind images of emperors and heroes, subtly linking the civic guard to a lineage of leadership and triumph. The image, therefore, engages us on a deep level, stirring our collective memory and reminding us of the timeless human desire for unity and strength, a powerful force that transcends historical contexts.