Titelprent voor de serie oudheden gevonden op het strand van Walcheren in 1647 1647

Hendrick Danckerts created this print in 1647, to be used as the title page for a series of antiquities discovered on the beach of Walcheren. During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic experienced a surge of national pride, fueled by its burgeoning maritime power and cultural achievements. The discovery of ancient artifacts resonated deeply within this context, evoking a shared connection to the land's distant past and contributing to a sense of collective identity. The objects are described in detail on the print, below a heraldic shield featuring a sea monster-like creature. This shield suggests an effort to assert a cultural or historical legitimacy. Danckerts' print subtly weaves together themes of national identity, historical curiosity, and civic pride, reflecting the complex interplay of cultural forces shaping Dutch society.