Briefkaart aan Jan Veth Possibly 1884

This briefkaart was sent by Albert Verwey to Jan Veth in Amsterdam in October 1884. Note the seals with the crowned coat-of-arms of Amsterdam, a symbol deeply rooted in civic pride and governance. This heraldic emblem—a shield, a crown, and the repeated image of three Saint Andrew's Crosses—evokes a sense of historical continuity. Think of similar emblems in medieval tapestries, Renaissance paintings, and even modern-day flags. The cross, originally a symbol of martyrdom, has been adopted and adapted through centuries, repurposed in countless contexts from religious iconography to national banners. The power of such symbols lies in their capacity to evoke shared identities and historical narratives. Here, the Amsterdam coat-of-arms speaks to a collective memory, a cultural heritage that transcends time. As you consider this humble postcard, think about how potent these symbols are, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and acquiring new layers of meaning in different times and places.