Titelblad: Verscheyde Gefleuroneerde T'Zamen-Gevlogte Naam-Letteren of Chifres c. 1690 - 1702

Anthonie de Winter created this print, titled "Title page: Various Flowered Interwoven Name Letters or Ciphers", in the late 17th century. It features two allegorical figures framing an ornate cartouche. To the left, we see Fame, winged and holding a trumpet, signaling renown. This motif echoes through time, from ancient Roman depictions of winged victories to Renaissance portrayals of angelic messengers. On the right, the figure with a painter's palette represents Art. The presence of these figures is more than mere decoration, it invokes the cultural authority of the time and hints at the enduring power of artistic expression and fame. Consider the wreath at the bottom. Originally a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Greece, it recurs throughout history, adorning emperors, athletes, and, here, a title page. The subconscious association with triumph remains, yet its specific context shifts, revealing how cultural memory subtly shapes our interpretation. The artist uses this symbol, which engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. We see how the symbols and meanings resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.