Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken Possibly 1901 - 1918

This briefkaart, or postcard, bears the weight of symbols from another era. We see the heraldic lion, a motif that long predates this card. The lion, historically a symbol of strength and royalty, is stamped with bureaucratic precision. This contrasts sharply with its ancient, almost primal origins, echoing its appearances in medieval heraldry and even further back in Mesopotamian art. One sees the lion on standards and shields, a symbol meant to inspire courage and project power. Here, the lion is tamed, domesticated into a symbol of state authority, a far cry from its wild origins. Yet, even in this diminished form, it retains some of its psychological power. The image resonates still today, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols. It demonstrates their ability to be reinterpreted, reapplied, and remembered across generations.