Kussenovertrek met een symbolische voorstelling van het zuiderkwartier van het college voor de grote visserij c. 1710 - 1730

François Coppens created this cushion cover with a symbolic representation of the southern district of the college for the high seas, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. The tapestry features a ship navigating through a turbulent sea, evoking the maritime power of the Dutch Republic. But look closer and you will find mermaids and cherubs surrounding the vessel, each holding various crests. Consider the gendered nature of these symbolic figures. The mermaids, traditionally feminine, emerge from the sea, while the cherubs, often seen as innocent and pure, float in the sky. How might the artist be commenting on societal roles? The tapestry is not just a display of heraldic symbols. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of Dutch identity, maritime power, and the nuanced ways in which gender and class are woven into the fabric of society. It’s a rich tableau of power, identity, and the ever-changing sea.