Landing op het eiland Oland 1845 - 1908

This line drawing captures the landing on the island of Oland, in 1612. Note the flag emblazoned with a cross, held aloft amidst the conflict. The cross, a symbol rooted in Christian iconography, transcends its religious origins here. We see it in the context of battle, transforming it into a standard of conquest and national identity. This echoes through history, from the Crusades to modern-day national flags incorporating the cross. It resurfaces, each time laden with new layers of cultural and political meaning, a visual echo resonating through time. Consider the psychological weight of this symbol. It is no longer purely religious; instead, it is a rallying point, a source of collective identity and purpose. A visual tool that engages viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into deeply ingrained emotional and cultural associations.