Briefkaart aan Jan Veth before 1887

This postcard, sent by Chap van Deventer to Jan Veth, bears potent emblems of its time. Note the Dutch coat-of-arms, a heraldic lion surmounted by a crown. It’s a symbol of national identity and power. Consider how similar lion motifs have echoed through history, from ancient Mesopotamian reliefs to the Venetian Lion of Saint Mark. The lion, a primal symbol, has represented courage and sovereignty in myriad cultures. Yet, here on this unassuming postcard, it appears faded, diminished in scale. What does that suggest? This emblem, once a potent assertion of power, is here softened, domesticated. It points to the cyclical nature of symbols. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts. It serves not only as an official marker but also as a humble greeting between colleagues.