Handelsetiket van Jan Hofman te Haarlem c. 1681 - 1740

This is an undated trade card of Jan Hofman from Haarlem, printed by an anonymous artist. Central to the image are stacks of what appear to be bricks or possibly books, along with a bundle tied with rope. The sword above this scene, combined with stars, suggests a crest, signaling authority, trade power, and civic identity. Like the rod of Asclepius, symbolizing medicine, these stacks are a symbolic representation of the trader's wares. These motifs are not merely decorative; they carry the weight of tradition and cultural memory. Consider the sword: It symbolizes justice and power, resonating through centuries, from ancient heraldry to modern emblems. The arrangement of these elements speaks to the collective memory and cultural associations attached to symbols of commerce and social standing. A potent visual language meant to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. In the non-linear progression of symbols, these emblems resurface, evolving across time, accumulating new layers of meaning, all the while connecting us to the archetypes of our past.