Kelkglas met de leeuw van de Republiek der Verenigde Nederlanden en het opschrift: Salus Patriae c. 1675 - 1700

This delicate glass, etched with the lion of the Dutch Republic and the inscription "Salus Patriae," embodies a fascinating interplay of form and symbolism. Its clear material, shaped into a fluted goblet, directs our gaze upward, celebrating both physical elevation and perhaps a sense of national pride. The lion motif and inscription, rendered with understated precision, sit within a visual framework of subtle geometric patterning. The glass's transparency invites light to dance across the surface, animating these symbols of the Republic. This interplay between light, form, and symbol is key. Consider the visual grammar at work. The goblet's shape, the lion rampant, and the motto each function as signifiers, pointing beyond themselves to a broader narrative of national identity and aspiration. This glass isn't merely a vessel; it is a carefully constructed statement, using visual cues to evoke ideas of patriotism and the common good. It transforms a simple object into a powerful emblem of its time, inviting ongoing reflection on the relationship between art, identity, and the Republic.