Wapens van de Zeventien Provinciën 1582

Abraham de Bruyn created this print, *Wapens van de Zeventien Provinciën,* in the late 16th century. It presents the heraldic arms of the seventeen provinces that then comprised the Netherlands, set against the backdrop of rising religious and political tensions. These emblems were more than mere symbols; they represented deeply rooted identities tied to land, lineage, and allegiance. Positioned amidst the Reformation and the Dutch Revolt, this artwork can be seen as a commentary on unity and division. The Latin inscription, quoting Sallust, warns that 'Concord raises up small things, discord ruins the greatest.' Each coat of arms tells a story of regional pride and historical claims. De Bruyn asks us to consider what happens when these distinct identities either coalesce or clash. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its visual appeal to collective identity, and its stark reminder of the fragility of political alliances.