Vignet met het wapen van de stad Haarlem 17th century

This is an undated, unsigned vignette with the coat of arms of the city of Haarlem. Its creation is tied to a time when heraldry and civic identity were deeply interwoven. Here, the symbols of Haarlem—a sword, stars, and a cross—are not merely decorative; they're emblems of power and historical narrative. The two lions stand as proud supporters, suggesting strength and valor. But who did these symbols really speak for? These civic emblems, while intended to unite, often obscured the complex social hierarchies of the time. This vignette may have been used on official documents or buildings, reinforcing a particular vision of Haarlem’s identity, one likely shaped by and for the city’s elite. The design’s bold lines and symmetrical composition evoke a sense of order and authority. Consider the stories that lie beneath these symbols, the voices that may have been marginalized in the making of this civic identity.