Deel van een vierdelige kaart van Zwitserland (rechtsboven) 1712

This is part of a four-piece map of Switzerland by Emanuel Schalch. Look at the heraldic symbols and emblems scattered across the landscape. They are not merely decorative; they are powerful emblems of identity, allegiance, and history. These heraldic symbols are cultural touchstones. Think about the recurrence of animal motifs in art through the ages, such as lions and eagles, which have signified power and courage across different civilisations. Here, these Swiss emblems tap into similar collective memories and aspirations. The symbols on the map serve as focal points, engaging us on a subconscious level with the complex interplay of history, identity, and place. It reminds us that our present is always intertwined with the symbols and stories of the past, and that the map is not only a geographical reference but also a cultural one. These symbols are not static; their meanings evolve, adapt, and resurface.