Comité van Hoge, Lage en Middelbare Heerlijkheden, 1795 1799

This allegorical etching, made around 1795 by an anonymous artist, presents us with a curious gathering of animals in a landscape. Dominating the scene is a stork, ensnared by a snake around its neck, a duck, and a turtle. The stork, often a symbol of vigilance and piety, here suffers under the weight of the serpent. Serpents are ancient symbols, historically associated with both healing and deception. Think of the caduceus, where snakes represent medicine, yet also the serpent in the Garden of Eden, embodying temptation and knowledge. The image evokes a sense of unease. The stork's struggle is palpable, yet the duck and turtle seem oblivious. This resonates with our own human experiences, where the burdens of some are unnoticed by others. This etching is a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of power and vulnerability, and how symbols can evolve to reflect the complex interplay of human affairs.