Kind tussen getemde leeuw en roofvogel bovenop schild met vers c. 1611 - 1732

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this small-scale print using engraving techniques. Notice the detailed, linear quality characteristic of engravings. The composition is symmetrical, featuring a child-like figure flanked by a lion and a bird of prey, all resting upon an ornate shield. This arrangement creates a visual tension between the tamed and the wild, the innocent and the predatory. The precise lines delineate each form, yet the overall texture appears rich, evoking a sense of depth. Bolswert masterfully employs allegorical imagery, inviting us to decode the relationships between these figures. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and courage, and the bird of prey which has connotations of aggression, are juxtaposed with the vulnerable child. This visual language challenges fixed interpretations, encouraging a nuanced understanding of power, innocence, and the balance between opposing forces. The shield, adorned with text and decorative elements, further complicates the reading, reminding us that art is a site of continuous interpretation.