Hollandse maagd en Hollandse leeuw 1718

This 1718 etching by Bernard Picart, titled "Hollandse maagd en Hollandse leeuw," depicts a seated female figure representing the Netherlands, holding a staff with a flame and a book labeled "Biblia Sacra." She sits atop a barrel and a lion, symbols of Dutch trade and strength. The background features a harbor scene with ships, referencing the nation’s maritime power. The etching is framed by intricate rococo ornamentation, a popular style of the era. The artwork is housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the Dutch Republic's national identity and its role as a global center for trade and culture.