Cartouche onder drie wapenschilden met bomen 1630 - 1672

Pieter Jansz. created this drawing, “Cartouche under three coats of arms with trees,” sometime in the 17th century. Three shields feature trees, potent symbols resonating across cultures. Trees, archetypes of life and growth, also embody familial roots in heraldry. The inclusion of birds on the left shield echoes the ancient motif of the soul, linking lineage with the spiritual realm. Consider the tree's appearance in mythologies worldwide. The World Tree, Yggdrasil, in Norse cosmology, connects heaven, earth, and hell, mirroring the tree's heraldic function to connect generations. Yet, while Yggdrasil emphasizes cosmic order, these trees speak more to earthly, familial pride. The eagle, emblem of power and authority, replaces one tree, suggesting an assertion of dominion that overshadows natural growth. The symbolic weight of these motifs, passed down through generations, taps into our collective memory. Family identity is not merely a matter of record but a powerful force, shaped by subconscious desires.