Aankomst van Leicester te Vlissingen, 1585 1753

Simon Fokke's drawing depicts the arrival of the Earl of Leicester in Vlissingen in 1585. It's a landscape bustling with heraldic flags, central to displays of power. Flags, as symbols, evoke a sense of collective identity. Throughout history, we see flags used to rally, to claim, and to demarcate. Think of Roman standards or medieval banners; each carries the weight of its people. Here, in Fokke's depiction, the flags mark not just territory but allegiance, a binding of fates. The fluttering banner is not static; it evolves. Once, it might signify divine right, now, national pride, or even resistance. Its continual adaptation is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The emblem is continually charged with current hopes and fears, ensuring its survival as a visual language. These are not mere images; they are carriers of memory, resonating through the ages.