Afleggen van de eed van getrouwheid, 1574 1612 - 1614

Willem de Haen created this print, "Afleggen van de eed van getrouwheid, 1574," using etching. At its heart, the print depicts a powerful act: the swearing of an oath. This motif, laden with historical weight, finds resonance across epochs, from ancient Roman pacts sealed before the gods to medieval knights pledging fealty. Note the raised hands and the inscription "IURAMENTUM FIDELITATIS" above. The gesture of raising hands, seen here, echoes in various cultural rituals across time. Think of courtroom oaths, religious blessings, and even the enthusiastic pledges of allegiance. It is an expression of commitment and trust. Here, the act of swearing isn't merely a legal formality but a sacred, communal affirmation. The oath resonates as a potent symbol of human beings' timeless quest for solidarity and shared purpose. This echoes through history, resurfacing and evolving. It connects us to our ancestors and to each other.