Overgave van Oostende, rekenpenning van de rekenkamer van Brabant 1604

This accounting token commemorating the surrender of Ostend was crafted from copper by an anonymous artist. Note the crayfish, a symbol of resilience, nestled amidst reeds; a potent reminder of Ostend's tenacious defense during the siege. The crayfish, with its hard exterior and ability to navigate both water and land, becomes an emblem of the city's fortitude. Its presence connects to a far older tradition where aquatic creatures are symbols of creation and renewal, echoing in ancient mythologies, in which the power of the sea is related to our deep ancestral past. Observe how its symbolic meaning shifts over time and place; from ancient associations with healing to its adaptation as a symbol of resistance. These images engage viewers on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of collective pride and shared suffering. In essence, the image of the crayfish is not merely a representation but a trigger, recalling a wealth of cultural and historical associations, constantly evolving with history.