Wax seal of Floris, Count of Holland c. 1266 - 1296

This is a wax seal of Floris, Count of Holland, whose creation date and artist are unknown, residing here at the Rijksmuseum. The seal, small in scale, presents a circular composition dominated by the figure of Floris on horseback. Notice how the anonymous artist uses the circular format to reinforce the idea of authority and containment. The texture of the wax adds a tactile quality, suggesting the physical act of sealing and authenticating documents. Consider how the image operates within a semiotic framework. The horse, the armor, and the flag act as visual signifiers of power, nobility, and territorial claim. Furthermore, the circular inscription that frames the central image serves as a linguistic sign, grounding the visual symbols in a specific claim of identity and jurisdiction. The very act of sealing signifies closure and certainty, yet the fragility of the wax hints at the potential for disruption and change. The use of line and form creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the viewer's eye across the surface, inviting reflection on the interplay between image and text, power, and fragility.