Bomenlaan en paleistuin 1601

This print, "Bomenlaan en paleistuin," by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum, captures an imposing palace garden, its formality softened by rows of trees. Note the statue in the garden’s center, a man astride a dolphin—a motif that whispers of ancient myth. The dolphin, a symbol linked to Apollo and Aphrodite, embodies swiftness, salvation, and love. This motif echoes across time. Think of the Renaissance, where the dolphin appeared frequently in art and emblems, often associated with princely virtues and maritime power. Here, it speaks to the aspirations of the palace, reaching back to classical ideals. The dolphin then re-emerges, transformed, in modern logos and popular culture, now carrying connotations of playfulness and intelligence. This enduring image evokes a sense of continuity, reminding us how symbols from antiquity continuously resurface, adapting to new cultural landscapes.