Grafbord van Frans Banning Cocq (1605-55), heer van Purmerland en Ilpendam after 1655

This Grafbord, or memorial shield, commemorates Frans Banning Cocq, and was made by an anonymous artist. It is made of painted wood, a common material for vernacular art. The escutcheon is composed of multiple heraldic elements, each painstakingly rendered, a testament to the symbolic language of aristocratic lineage. Consider the textures here: the hard, smooth surface of the wood panel versus the delicate brushstrokes that bring the coat of arms to life. This was more than a mere painting; it was a careful construction of identity, a public declaration of status. The fashioning of this shield would have involved a range of artisan skills, from woodworking to painting, each contributing to the overall impact of the piece. The production of such an object also speaks to the social context of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when burgeoning trade and a rigid class structure created a demand for elaborate displays of wealth and heritage. So next time, consider not just what is depicted, but how material and making intertwine with social and cultural significance.