Algemene Wapening, decoratie op het Kadijksplein, 1795 1795

Noach van der Meer the Second created this drawing in 1795 as a decoration on Kadijksplein. Notice how he frames the scene within an architectural structure, adorned with allegorical figures and banners. Dominating the entrance is the figure of Liberty. Observe her Phrygian cap, a potent symbol dating back to antiquity, where it was worn by freed slaves in Rome. Its adoption during the French Revolution transformed it into an emblem of freedom and the pursuit of emancipation. Consider how this cap has resurfaced throughout history, from French revolutionary art to the Statue of Liberty. Its image has been passed down through history, evolving into a rallying cry for those seeking liberation, its emotional resonance persisting across generations. It evokes a collective memory, tapping into a shared subconscious desire for liberation and autonomy, engaging viewers on a primal, almost instinctive level. This symbol's non-linear progression speaks volumes. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, yet its core essence—freedom—remains unbroken.