Trophée vervaardigd door de Kadets voor het Bal ter Verwelkoming der Adelborsten 1840 - 1860

This commemorative print, made by Monogrammist AJB, presents a "Trophée" for a welcoming ball. Look closely and you’ll see a collection of arms and armor beneath the regalia of flags and heraldry. These motifs evoke not just military might but also the pomp and circumstance of noble gatherings. Consider the arrangement of weapons radiating outward; this design echoes the "fasces" of ancient Rome, symbols of authority and unity. Yet, here, they are displayed not as instruments of civic power but rather as festive decoration. Observe how this militaristic symbol is repurposed to welcome newcomers. The pile of discarded armor at the bottom suggests the relinquishing of arms, a gesture of peace and hospitality. This act of laying down arms, or refraining to take them up, is a recurring theme in the visual narrative of conflict. And so, the symbolism transforms—from conquest to camaraderie. As you leave, consider how potent symbols persist, adapting to the shifting stages of history.