Titel met wapen van Amsterdam 1657

This title page with the coat of arms of Amsterdam was created by Cornelis van Dalen I. around the mid-17th century. Note the two lions which flank the shield: these symbols of strength and courage, guardians of the city's identity, support the three Saint Andrew’s crosses, a motif found throughout Amsterdam's visual culture. Like heraldic figures of the past, these lions evoke a sense of authority and pride, echoing symbols found in ancient Mesopotamia and medieval Europe. The symbolism taps into our collective psyche, stirring primal emotions tied to protection and belonging. These crosses, which today represent Amsterdam, are believed to have originated from the Persijn family, landowners in the area. Just as the 'IHS' monogram evolved from religious to secular contexts, these crosses have been similarly re-appropriated. The emotional power of these images lies in their ability to evoke a sense of continuity, reflecting the evolving, cyclical nature of symbols as they resurface and transform across generations.