Wapen van M.A. de Ruyter before 1683

This carved wooden coat of arms of M.A. de Ruyter, was made by an anonymous artist. Though the exact date is unknown, it reflects the cultural values of its time. It's a proud display of symbols representing status, power, and achievements, all hallmarks of the Dutch Golden Age. De Ruyter was a celebrated admiral, a hero whose naval victories solidified the Netherlands’ might on the seas. This coat of arms is not merely decorative. It's a narrative, a visual representation of identity shaped by social expectation and personal accomplishment. The lion and horse serve not only as heraldic symbols but also as projections of masculine ideals. The sea imagery and armaments underscore a life dedicated to maritime dominance. What does it mean to craft an identity so publicly, embedding oneself in the larger narrative of national pride and military strength? Perhaps, in understanding this, we find a deeper connection to the complex interplay between personal identity and the grand narratives of history.