Hollandse maagd met de Hollandse leeuw 1730

This is an etching from 1730, made by Bernard Picart. The image is dominated by an oval frame of leaves, within which sits a female figure, the Dutch maiden, with the Dutch Lion at her feet. The composition presents a complex layering of symbols and meanings. The maiden, framed by classical motifs and heraldic devices, embodies the Dutch Republic. Her seated posture suggests both authority and repose, while the lion, a traditional symbol of the Netherlands, is passive. Picart's masterful use of line and texture creates a sense of depth, distinguishing the foreground figures from the background which features a building. Structurally, the work operates as a semiotic device, using culturally coded symbols to convey messages about national identity and power. The interplay between the maiden and the lion offers a narrative about the Dutch Republic’s self-image. This etching invites ongoing interpretation, prompting reflection on how national identity is constructed and represented through art.