Adreskaart van boekverkopers en makers van zegellak Jac. Haffman en J.W. Pruys te Amsterdam c. 1725 - 1775

This undated, anonymous artwork is a calling card for the Amsterdam-based booksellers and sealing wax makers Jac. Haffman and J.W. Pruys. The lion and unicorn supporting a shield, topped with a crown, are a clear nod to British heraldry. The motto "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" speaks of shame to those who think evil of it, also evoking the English Order of the Garter. These symbols were originally intended to convey power, legitimacy, and nobility, ideas that still resonate, and give prestige. But consider how the unicorn, a symbol of purity and grace, has morphed across cultures. From ancient Greek myths to modern fantasy, its horn held the power to purify water and heal the sick. This transformation reflects our ever-evolving desires and fears. It represents the human subconscious, where archetypes take root. Symbols never truly disappear. They resurface, transformed, echoing through time.