Dapperheid met deugd gepaard, / Maakt den held een eerkroon waard 1806 - 1830

Editor: This is "Dapperheid met deugd gepaard, / Maakt den held een eerkroon waard," a print made sometime between 1806 and 1830 by Johan Noman. The stiffness of the figures and the crisp lines give the work a formal quality, almost like a staged portrait. What significance do you find in these figures' arrangement? Curator: The title itself is crucial; translated it means, "Bravery paired with virtue, makes the hero worthy of a crown of honor." This work is not just a portrait, but a symbolic representation of ideals. Consider the central figure in armor – not simply a soldier, but the embodiment of courage. Now, where do you see evidence of "virtue" in this image? Editor: I suppose in the way he's framed, almost protected by the other figures… there’s something to be said about the two figures with him. Their placement almost acts like flanking virtues by this brave and powerful figure in the center. Curator: Precisely! These aren't just supporting characters, but integral symbols. They could embody justice, temperance, wisdom... Each element is carefully constructed to communicate a clear moral message. And notice the laurel leaves at the feet, a symbol of glory, which emphasizes the "crown of honor" mentioned in the engraving's title. What feelings does this all evoke? Editor: I am struck by the strong emphasis on morality. It feels like the artist is presenting a very specific vision of leadership, almost as a teaching moment. Curator: Exactly. Remember, symbols shift meaning across time. A "hero" in 1800 might represent different values than one today. Thinking about these symbols helps us connect with past cultures. What do you make of the way images imprint values over time? Editor: I had not considered the lasting power of virtue, the moral weight symbols have, but that makes me see the print's importance beyond its artistic form. Thanks. Curator: Likewise. Recognizing this layering deepens our understanding of the art, as it serves as both a looking glass into cultural beliefs and a map for those past values to modern memory.