Cartouche met leeuw en wapens 1738

This is an ornamental cartouche with a lion and weapons, made by Franz Xaver Jungwirth. At first glance, the heraldic lion atop the elaborate frame speaks of power and sovereignty, icons deeply rooted in centuries of European tradition. The lion, traditionally a solar symbol, is here juxtaposed with the sun. We see motifs of naval power, like ships and fishing nets, referencing man’s mastery of the seas, a recurring theme in visual culture from ancient frescoes to maritime paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. Consider the image of the lion itself. From the Lion Gate of Mycenae to the Venetian Lion of Saint Mark, this symbol has journeyed through time, evolving from guardian figure to emblem of national pride. The subconscious appeal of such imagery lies in its ability to evoke primal emotions of protection and authority. This symbol’s cyclical progression has allowed it to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.