Vaandeldrager van het 1 Batt: 1 Afd: Overijsselsche Schutterij 1835 - 1850

This watercolor work by Albertus Verhoesen portrays a standard-bearer of the Overijsselsche Schutterij. The flag he bears is emblazoned with heraldic symbols—a crowned shield flanked by lions. These emblems are not mere decorations; they speak volumes of lineage, power, and identity, harking back to medieval heraldry. Consider the lion, a motif stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia, often embodying courage and regality. Its recurrence across cultures—from the Lion Gate of Mycenae to the Lion of Saint Mark in Venice—reveals a persistent human need to align with the animal's symbolic strength. Yet, here, the lions support a Dutch coat of arms. This reflects a transformation, a shift from primal power to civic pride, influenced by historical and cultural contexts. The potent symbolism creates a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols are not linear, but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving, taking on new meanings.