Vignet met het wapen van de stad Bern 1796 - 1862

Curator: Standing before us is a piece titled "Vignet met het wapen van de stad Bern," or "Vignette with the Coat of Arms of the City of Bern." It's dated somewhere between 1796 and 1862, created using ink, engraving, and drawing. The artist is Franciscus Johannes de Hondt. Editor: My initial thought is…intriguing. There’s a somewhat serious tone, a classic, stately vibe, but also something oddly whimsical about a bear in a collar standing next to a rather fierce lion. Curator: Whimsical, yes, perhaps the artist was channeling a particular symbolism? This isn’t just decoration. Think of the lion, a traditional symbol of courage and strength. And here, a bear, also powerful, yet often associated with more earthy, grounded qualities. Editor: The bear feels significant—anchoring the lion’s bravado, perhaps. It also speaks to Bern’s identity; I believe the bear is a key part of their heraldry. It lends an undeniable cultural memory. Those seemingly simple ink lines communicate so much history and identity. Curator: Precisely! The overall style leans into Neoclassicism. Notice the geometric elements, a real emphasis on order and clarity. But within that framework, De Hondt finds space to present the coat of arms of Bern with symbolic expression. Editor: You’re right. The clarity almost emphasizes the weight of each symbol. That crown looming overhead… power, authority, aspiration—layered meanings. The inclusion of the "SPQB" adds a dimension to this, I can't help but wonder its meaning and intent. I can't say for sure but these kinds of visual markers tend to invite questions of how power speaks across generations. Curator: A fair assessment. And indeed a potent and evocative image, and yes, more information is definitely worth a deep dive in the coming weeks. Editor: Absolutely. I see in this a fascinating intersection of personal artistic expression and potent cultural identity. A real visual encapsulation of Bern.