De slag bij Nieuwpoort, 1600 (blad 4) 1600 - 1610

This engraving by Lambert Cornelisz, dating from the early 17th century, vividly depicts the Battle of Nieuwpoort. Observe the flags held high amidst the clashing armies. These banners, more than mere identifiers, are vessels of collective identity. Throughout history, flags have served as potent symbols of allegiance, from the Roman legions' eagles to the fleur-de-lis of France. Their significance transcends the battlefield. Think of the swastika, a symbol anciently associated with prosperity, tragically transformed into an emblem of hatred. The flag, in its essence, touches upon the profound psychological need for belonging. It embodies shared values and aspirations, capable of stirring the deepest emotions, uniting people in triumph or leading them to war. This cyclical progression shows the emotional weight these visual symbols carry through time.