Kaart van het graafschap Holland, 1630 1630 - 1652

Abraham Goos crafted this map of the county of Holland in 1630, teeming with symbols of power and prosperity. Notice how the heraldic lion, a fierce emblem of Dutch authority, is prominently displayed. The lion, a symbol of strength and courage, has been embraced by countless cultures across millennia, from ancient Mesopotamia to the British monarchy. Its constant reappearance speaks to a deep-seated human need for symbols of power. Consider how the ships sailing boldly across the "De Nord See" evoke a sense of Dutch maritime dominance and the spirit of exploration and trade. The psychological impact of such imagery is profound, tapping into our collective memories. These vessels are not merely boats; they are carriers of cultural identity, ambition, and the unyielding human desire to conquer the unknown. These symbols, like migratory birds, resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, carried on the winds of history and the currents of the human psyche.