Sloten van smeedijzer before 1889

This plate depicts several wrought iron locks from the 15th and 16th centuries, each a testament to the era's craftsmanship. These locks, beyond their utilitarian purpose, are adorned with potent symbols reflecting the spiritual and social values of their time. The cross, prominently featured, serves as a powerful emblem of Christian faith, offering not just physical security but also divine protection. This symbol transcends its immediate religious context, resonating with deeper human desires for safety and redemption, an echo of ancient apotropaic symbols. The fleur-de-lis, another recurring motif, symbolizes French royalty and nobility. These symbols, charged with cultural and religious significance, illustrate the enduring human need to project power and seek higher protection, connecting us to a collective consciousness that spans centuries. The emotional weight embedded in these images acts as a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These motifs have reappeared and evolved through different historical contexts, reminding us of the cyclical progression of symbols, continually resurfacing and adapting, forever entwined with the human story.