Seal 1701 - 1704

Curator: This captivating object, created between 1701 and 1704, is a personal seal crafted by Jacob Boelen. Note the interplay of materials—silver and wood, combining for a singular purpose. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its functional simplicity. The contrast of the bright, detailed silver against the smooth, darker wood is quite appealing. The patina gives it a sense of age and importance. Curator: Its significance runs deeper than aesthetics. These seals were essential tools in colonial society. They were utilized to authenticate documents, and also bore family crests, symbolizing social status and lineage. We can glean quite a bit of insight regarding patriarchal power structures of the time from examining these kinds of familial artifacts. Editor: Certainly. Structurally speaking, observe the symmetry of the crest. The division creates a clear hierarchy between the stag figures at the top and the more abstract shapes below, yet its design allows both components to coexist harmoniously. What does that asymmetry tell you? Curator: The use of stags above heraldic figures might signify the owner’s connection to hunting or land ownership, things of high social relevance. Note that it was a time of consolidating colonial power, the need to visually mark oneself with these status symbols would have been pertinent for Boelen. Editor: Interesting! Looking closely at the silver work, the relief carving showcases skillful craftmanship. And the incised inscription—seemingly a family motto, it encircles the coat of arms, embedding a clear message within the overall form of the seal. It emphasizes intention and, dare I say, control. Curator: It definitely signifies control, of narrative and of property. The family motto also served as a reminder of family duty and societal expectations, particularly for the land-owning gentry in early America. The symbolism could be related to Boelen asserting dominance, making it resonate on multiple levels. Editor: Thank you, Jacob Boelen's "Seal" becomes even more fascinating upon close viewing. Now I notice its functional elegance and complex construction of symbolic meaning in a simple form. Curator: Indeed! By examining objects such as these, we uncover narratives about identity, status, and the intricate relationship between art and society throughout history.