Twee vaandeldragers en een wapen met daarop een zwarte adelaar 17th century

This small, undated print by an anonymous artist presents two standard-bearers flanking a coat of arms emblazoned with a black eagle. The composition, tightly framed, emphasizes symmetry, with the heraldic imagery acting as a fulcrum between the figures. The stark contrast between the lines and the light background, created through the printmaking process, accentuates the graphic quality of the image. The rough texture of the paper adds a tactile dimension, hinting at the material conditions of its production and consumption. The arrangement of the figures and symbols can be interpreted through a semiotic lens. The black eagle, a common heraldic symbol, signifies power and authority. The standard-bearers act as supporters, reinforcing the message of strength and stability. The visual language suggests a hierarchical structure, emblematic of the social and political order. The print's aesthetic lies in its formal construction, where line, shape, and composition converge to communicate a distinct visual statement.