Gezicht op Leiden 1675 - 1679

Gaspar Bouttats created this view of Leiden, now at the Rijksmuseum, using etching techniques in the late 17th century. Observe the heraldic symbols prominently displayed: a rampant lion and crossed keys. These emblems, deeply rooted in medieval heraldry, embody the city's identity. The lion, a symbol of courage and nobility, has ancient roots, appearing in royal and civic contexts from the ancient Near East, traversing centuries and cultures. Similarly, the keys, often linked to Saint Peter, evoke ideas of authority and access, recurring across Christian iconography. Consider how these motifs persist. They are not merely decorative; they act as containers of collective memory. The lion can be traced back to the Lion Gate of Mycenae, a symbol of power that resonates even today. The keys remind us of the duality of power, opening or closing, inviting or excluding, like the gates of our own minds. These symbols engage us subconsciously, summoning associations and emotions that have echoed through history.