Bekroond wapenschild met een klimmende leeuw 1630 - 1672

Pieter Jansz. created this crowned coat of arms with a climbing lion using pen in gray ink and watercolor on paper. The drawing’s modest size belies its function as a representation of power. The heraldic lion, meticulously rendered, embodies strength and authority. The choice of monochrome washes gives a sculptural quality to the design, as if it were a sketch for a silver or stone carving. Consider the labor involved in crafting such imagery in the 17th century. While not as intensive as weaving a tapestry or forging metalwork, the precise line work and shading demanded skill and patience. This would have been one step in a much larger process. The design, once approved, would likely be translated into other mediums - perhaps adorning a building, silverware, or a signet ring. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that even seemingly simple images carry layers of meaning, reflecting the social structures and material practices of their time.