Stedenmaagd van Haarlem 1702 - 1767

Jacob Folkema’s engraving presents us with the 'Stedenmaagd van Haarlem', a personification of the city, surrounded by symbols of civic virtue and prosperity. The maiden, seated regally, holds a flag that reads "Salva Republica," a call to protect the Republic. Consider how such allegorical figures have traversed time. We see echoes of the Roman goddess Roma in this maiden, a lineage stretching back to antiquity, embodying ideals of governance and collective identity. This symbolic language taps into a deep well of cultural memory, resonating with subconscious associations of authority and communal well-being. Note the cornucopia beside the maiden. The horn of plenty appears throughout history and across cultures as a sign of prosperity. The symbols, like powerful glyphs, stir within us a sense of longing for peace and wealth. Each element contributes to a rich visual tapestry that invites contemplation on the enduring nature of civic ideals.