Kalligrafie van de provincie Overijssel 1790 - 1794

Cornelis van Baarsel created this calligraphy of the province Overijssel using pen and black ink. A garland of foliage and figures encloses the word ‘Overijssel’. The Dutch Lion appears repeatedly: on the provincial coat of arms at the top, and again, at the bottom, below a crown. This heraldic lion reminds me of the ancient heraldic traditions, symbols of power that recur throughout history, from medieval banners to modern emblems. The lion, a symbol of courage and royalty, evokes primal emotions—a manifestation of collective memory passed down through generations, shifting from a symbol of tribal power to national identity. The crowned lion embodies both historical continuity and the psychological impulse to assert identity and claim heritage. This symbolic echo calls forth deep-seated cultural associations that engage viewers on a profound level. The cyclical progression of symbols continues, resurfacing, evolving, and adopting new meanings across historical contexts.