Doek met steendruk versierd: Leeuwarder stadsgezichten en twaalf afbeeldingen van Friese klederdrachten. c. 1836

This stone-printed cloth presents scenes of Leeuwarden and twelve images of traditional Frisian costumes. At its heart, the lion rampant, a symbol of courage and nobility, presides over the scene. The lion, a motif deeply embedded in the collective psyche, appears across epochs. From the ancient Near East, where it symbolized royal power, to medieval heraldry, where it signified bravery, the lion's roar echoes through time. Consider its presence in Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People," or even Disney's "The Lion King." Though contexts shift, the lion remains a potent symbol, stirring primal emotions of dominance and protection. It embodies not merely physical strength but also moral authority, subtly influencing our interpretation of the Frisian identity depicted here. The repeated imagery of local dress, and the lion above Leeuwarden itself creates an intense feeling of pride and belonging. It reflects a powerful collective memory, connecting past and present through shared symbols and cultural identity.