Lion Supporting an Escutcheon, from the Top of a Balustrade or the Backrest of the Stadholder’s Chair in the Rolzaal in the Hof van Holland, The Hague 1511

This wooden sculpture, carved by Joost Janszoon in 1511, depicts a lion supporting an escutcheon. The lion is depicted in a heraldic posture, holding the shield with its forelegs and resting its hindquarters on a platform. This sculpture is a fine example of 16th-century Dutch sculpture, showcasing detailed carving and the use of heraldic imagery, a common motif in art of that era. The sculpture was originally part of the Hof van Holland in The Hague, possibly as a finial on a balustrade or the backrest of a chair. This sculpture serves as a testament to the skilled artistry of the time and its role in representing power and status.