De Nederlandse maagd c. 1865

This is Eugène Lacomblé's 'De Nederlandse maagd', a sculpture featuring a female figure riding a lion. The lion is a classical symbol, often associated with strength, courage, and royalty. Here, it symbolizes the Dutch people, embodying their resilience and power. The virgin figure atop the lion introduces an element of purity and moral authority. The motif of a figure riding an animal echoes through art history, seen, for example, in depictions of Europa riding the bull, symbolizing the transport of civilization. Here, it suggests guidance and control over primal forces. This image triggers a primal response, a deep-seated association of power, control, and the untamed. Note the classical drapery adorning the figure. These elements aren’t merely aesthetic, they are carriers of collective memory. The Dutch Maiden and her lion become a potent emblem, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of national pride. As symbols, they don't just represent, they evoke, tapping into the deep well of cultural memory.