Germaanse volksvergadering 1878 - 1881

Charles Rochussen created this lithograph of a Germanic folk assembly. Notice how the spears held aloft symbolize both readiness for war and communal solidarity. The raised spear is a potent symbol, resonating through the ages. We see echoes of it in ancient Roman military standards and even in medieval heraldry. It represents not just martial prowess but also the collective will and unity of a people. Consider, too, how this symbol transforms; the spear, once a tool of war, becomes a symbol of power, justice, and communal identity. It’s a reminder that symbols carry with them the weight of history, evolving and adapting as cultures change. The very act of gathering holds psychological weight. It fulfills a primal need for belonging, for shared purpose, and for the reassurance of collective strength. It’s an image that stirs within us a deep, subconscious recognition of our own need for community. The symbols evolve, but the underlying human impulse persists.